Genealogies of Religion: Discipline and Reasons of Power in Christianity and Islam

by Talal Asad Narrated by Amir Abdullah

Overview

In Geneologies of Religion, Talal Asad explores how religion as a historical category emerged in the West and has come to be applied as a universal concept.



The idea that religion has undergone a radical change since the Christian Reformation-from totalitarian and socially repressive to private and relatively benign-is a familiar part of the story of secularization. It is often invoked to explain and justify the liberal politics and world view of modernity. And it leads to the view that "politicized religions" threaten both reason and liberty. Asad's essays explore and question all these assumptions. He argues that "religion" is a construction of European modernity, a construction that authorizes-for Westerners and non-Westerners alike-particular forms of "history making."

Editorial Reviews

Booknews

In eight essays, all but one previously published, Asad (anthropology, New School for Social Research) argues that religion as a historical and political category was created in modern Europe, and challenges some deeply held assumptions about the evolution and character of Christianity and Islam. He also applies his ideas to the current wave of Islamic fundamentalism. Paper edition (unseen), $15.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

From the Publisher

All articles are extremely well written, exhibit impressive scholarship, and are thoughtful and are thoughtful and stimulating. Asad's criticisms are neither judgmental nor self-righteous but are generally driven by the will to understand.
--James R. Wood, Contemporary Sociology

This eloquent, lucid, and complex work is the product of remarkable intelligence and erudition; it is a profound contribution to the understanding of the cultural hegemony of the West.
--Ralph M. Coury, Religious Studies Review

Religious Studies Review - Ralph M. Coury

This eloquent, lucid, and complex work is the product of remarkable intelligence and erudition; it is a profound contribution to the understanding of the cultural hegemony of the West.

Contemporary Sociology - James R. Wood

All articles are extremely well written, exhibit impressive scholarship, and are thoughtful and are thoughtful and stimulating. Asad's criticisms are neither judgmental nor self-righteous but are generally driven by the will to understand.

Contemporary Sociology

All articles are extremely well written, exhibit impressive scholarship, and are thoughtful and are thoughtful and stimulating. Asad's criticisms are neither judgmental nor self-righteous but are generally driven by the will to understand.

— James R. Wood

Religious Studies Review

This eloquent, lucid, and complex work is the product of remarkable intelligence and erudition; it is a profound contribution to the understanding of the cultural hegemony of the West.

— Ralph M. Coury

Product Details

BN ID:	2940159869760
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	12/26/2023
Edition description:	Unabridged

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