Treating  »religion » as a fully social, cultural, historical and material field of practice, this book presents a series of debates and positions on the nature and purpose of the  »Study of Religions », or  »Religious Studies ». Offering an introductory guide to this influential, and politically relevant, academic field, the contributors illustrate the diversity and theoretical viability of qualitative empirical methodologies in the study of religions. The historical and cultural circumstances attending the emergence, defence, and future prospects of Religious Studies are documented, drawing on theoretical material and case studies prepared within the context of the British Association for the Study of Religions (BASR), and making frequent reference to wider European, North American, and other international debates and critiques.