Religion In Context: Cults And Charisma

Book Summary

Religious power assumes many strikingly different forms, which are often regarded both by believers and by students as unique, unrelated, and even mutually exclusive. Religion in context, however, adopts a holistic approach and argues that to understand the nature of spiritual power we need to appreciate how these apparently contradictory mystical manifestations are in fact part of a single complex of mutually defining and sustaining elements. Religious power assumes strikingly different forms, often regarded as unique and unrelated. Religion in Context, however, argues that these apparently contradictory experiences are part of a web of mutually sustaining elements. I.M. Lewis analyzes phenomena such as witchcraft, cannibalism, and shamanism, revealing connections among them and with the world religions. This expanded and updated edition illuminates critical aspects of religious power, and will be of value to anyone concerned with the nature of religion in the modern world.

Book Details