Ivan Strenski 
Dumont on Religion [PDF ebook] 
Difference, Comparison, Transgression

Louis Dumont was a prominent anthropologist and sociologist whose work – notably on Indian society – influenced the study of religion. ‘Dumont on Religion’ introduces Dumont’s work on kinship studies, structural theory, and his views on idealism. Subjects of particular interest to students of religion are highlighted, including Dumont’s concepts of the sacred and profane, pure and impure, transcendence, values and hierarchy. The book also presents the ethical implications of Dumont’s ideas and his comparison between the world views of modern and traditional societies.