This concise introductory textbook emphasizes the major concepts of anthropology in general and the anthropology of religion in particular, and is aimed at students encountering anthropology for the first time. Highlights of This Edition: Illustrates concepts with examples drawn from primarily tribal or traditional societies, along with examples from the "world's great religions," exposing students to a wide range of cultures and religious traditions. Draws examples from societies of varying technological complexity, classic ethnographies, and everyday scenarios. Incorporates research from both classic and recent literature. Represents all major geographic regions, giving students a global view of the subject matter. Focuses on the varieties of religious expression cross-culturally, not on theory, although some theory is discussed. Discusses the basic nature and concepts of anthropology and carefully defines basic terms and concepts so that students get a good working knowledge of the discipline. Don't Miss This Special Value Pack Option: "Research Navigator(TM)" "Research Navigator(TM)" can be a student's best friend when they're facing a large research project. Especially helpful with the toughest challenge--getting started--"Research Navigator(TM)" offers a comprehensive, step-by-step walk-through of the research process, along with access to some of the most respected source databases available. Access to "Research Navigator(TM)"--a $15 value--is FREE when packaged with a new Allyn & Bacon Social Work textbook! If this text did not come packaged with "Research Navigator(TM)," look for it inyour bookstore or visit http: //www.researchnavigator.com today to purchase immediate access. Contact your local Allyn & Bacon representative and request special packaging codes to take advantage of this great offer.

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This concise and accessible textbook introduces students to the anthropological study of religion. It examines religious expression from a cross-cultural perspective and exposes students to the complexities of religion in small-scale and complex societies. The chapters incorporate key theoretical concepts and a wide range of ethnographic material. The fifth edition of The Anthropology of Religion, Magic, and Witchcraft offers: • a revised introduction covering the foundations of the anthropology of religion, anthropological methods, and a push toward decolonizing the anthropology of religion, • expanded coverage of symbols, healing, wizardry, and the intersections of religion with other social institutions, • new case study material with examples drawn from around the globe, especially from Indigenous communities, • marginalia in each chapter introducing provocative small-case examples related to the chapter—many of these can be used as prompts for further research, small in-class case studies, or examples for hands-on learning, • a new chapter on religion and healing, especially useful for Anthropology programs without representation of four fields, as it provides a wider and more interdisciplinary application of the discipline, • a consistent review of foundations from chapter to chapter, linking material and enabling students to connect what they are learning throughout the course, and • further resources via a comprehensive companion website, including interactive activities, critical case studies, updated study questions, bibliographical suggestions (including video), and color images. This is an essential guide for students encountering the anthropology of religion for the first time and also for those with an ongoing interest in this fascinating field.

Anthropology's long and complex relationship to magic has been strongly influenced by western science and notions of rationality. This book takes a refreshing new look at modern magic as practised by contemporary Pagans in Britain. It focuses on what Pagans see as the essence of magic - a communication with an otherworldly reality. Examining issues of identity, gender and morality, the author argues that the otherworld forms a central defining characteristic of magical practice. Integrating an experiential ethnographic approach with an analysis of magic, this book asks penetrating questions about the nature of otherworldly knowledge and argues that our scientific frameworks need re-envisioning. It is unique in providing an insider's view of how magic is practised in contemporary western culture.

Magic is arguably the least understood subject in anthropology today. Exotic and fascinating, it offers us a glimpse into another world but it also threatens to undermine the foundations of anthropology due to its supposed irrational and non-scientific nature. Magic has thus often been 'explained away' by social or psychological reduction. The Anthropology of Magic redresses the balance and brings magic, as an aspect of consciousness, into focus through the use of classic texts and cutting-edge research. Suitable for student and scholar alike, The Anthropology of Magic updates a classical anthropological debate concerning the nature of human experience. A key theme is that human beings everywhere have the potential for magical consciousness. Taking a new approach to some perennial topics in anthropology - such as shamanism, mythology, witchcraft and healing - the book raises crucial theoretical and methodological issues to provide the reader with an engaging and critical understanding of the dynamics of magic.Join the live discussion on Facebook!