Description

Why has religion persisted across the course of human history? Secularists have predicted the end of faith for a long time, but religions continue to attract followers. Meanwhile, scholars of religion have expanded their field to such an extent that we lack a basic framework for making sense of the chaos of religious phenomena. To remedy this state of affairs, Martin Riesebrodt here undertakes a task that is at once simple and monumental: to define, understand, and explain religion as a universal concept.

Instead of propounding abstract theories, Riesebrodt concentrates on the concrete realities of worship, examining religious holidays, conversion stories, prophetic visions, and life-cycle events. In analyzing these practices, his scope is appropriately broad, taking into consideration traditions in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Daoism, and Shinto. Ultimately, Riesebrodt argues, all religions promise to avert misfortune, help their followers manage crises, and bring both temporary blessings and eternal salvation. And, as The Promise of Salvation makes clear through abundant empirical evidence, religion will not disappear as long as these promises continue to help people cope with life.

About the Author

Martin Riesebrodt is professor of sociology at the University of Chicago and the author of several books, including Pious Passion: The Emergence of Modern Fundamentalism in the United States and Iran. Steven Rendall has translated numerous books, including On Borrowed Time: The Art and Economy of Living with Deadlines by Harald Weinrich, also published by the University of Chicago Press.

Praise for The Promise of Salvation: A Theory of Religion…

"Riesebrodt has written an intelligent and remarkable book about religion aimed at two audiences: those who Schleiermacher called the ''cultured despisers'' of religion and those—irritated by the chaos of academic theories of religion—who have lost a clear view of religious realities. Riesebrodt speaks to both with an equally discerning and rewarding reading."—Neue Zurcher Zeitung, on the German edition



"Riesebrodt has worked small wonders and written a well crafted study of religion without lecturing and moralizing, clear and with a sure eye for verifiable facts. This has rarely happened since Eliade."—Die Presse, on the German edition


"With his theory of religion, which gets by equitably without claims to absolute truth, Riesebrodt sociologically bridges the conflict potential of religions. In times of violent fundamentalisms, enlightened indifference, and naturalistic appropriation, this is no small feat."—Die Zeit, on the German edition

"This crucial volume joins Thomas Tweed''s Crossing and Dwelling in setting forth one of the most insightful and sophisticated contemporary theories of religion that students and scholars at all levels can profitably use."