# Tradition: A Critical Primer - Hardcover

by **Steven Engler** (Author)

This book looks at the concept of tradition in the study of religion. It examines the history of the concept, uses in the discipline, theoretical perspectives (including Indigenous and post/decolonial studies, cognitive science and hermeneutics), and critical perspectives on key thinkers (Halbwachs, Gadamer, Ricoeur, J & A Assmann, Boyer, Morin) and recommendations for clearing the air of a key theoretical tension surrounding the concept of the invention of tradition. Questioning the use of 'tradition' as a synonym for 'religion, ' the book models a relational and ideology-critical approach to complex concepts. It engages with important theoretical issues, including opposition to 'modernity, ' Indigenous 'self-conscious traditionalism.' colonial discourses, intersections with ritual, agency and reason and 'the invention of tradition.' Discussions - with examples from a variety of religions and cultures - including African, Indigenous North American, south Pacific, Afro Brazilian, Japanese, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and esoteric. Four case studies - on esoteric Traditionalism, Candomble, great/little traditions and Indigenous traditions in Canadian law - engage central ideas in greater detail.

**Number of Pages:** 160

**Dimensions:** 0.69 x 8.5 x 5.5 IN

**Publication Date:** October 01, 2024

## Details

- **Price:** 136.8 USD
- **Vendor:** Books by splitShops
- **Type:** Books
- **Tags:** Books by splitShops, Shopify Collective

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 136.80 USD | In stock |

## Images

- Tradition: A Critical Primer - Hardcover

---

> Source: [Smart supply deals](https://smartsupplydeals.com/products/tradition-a-critical-primer-hardcover)
> Updated: 2026-07-23
