A Critical Introduction to the Study of Religion explains the key ideas and methods in the study of religion and demonstrates how they can be used. The aim is to provide students with a tool-kit of critical concepts for studying religious belief and behaviour. Throughout the discussion all ideas and methods are illustrated with clear case material.

"A superb introduction to the study of religion.'"

Source: Zwinglius Redivivus

"A Critical Introduction offers a clear, thorough, and effective introduction to critical approaches to religion as social phenomena. It brings the often-verbose theoretical lenses of sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies, and the sometimes-complicated critiques of the field of Religious Studies to a novice readership. Martin has accomplished his goal of offering useful concepts for critically thinking about religion and society. A unique and notable contribution is that he provides effective approaches from which students can ask new questions of our subject.'"

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Religion

"The book is well written, clear and accessible and functions as a different kind of textbook - one that encourages the student to think for himself/herself through conceptual training rather than descriptive summaries... should be a core textbook in any undergraduate reading list.'"

Source: Religion