Module THEO56730: Ritual, Symbolism and Belief in the Anthropology of Religion

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO56730: Ritual, Symbolism and Belief in the Anthropology of Religion

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

Content

• This module takes the form of an exploratory conversation between theology and social anthropology on certain key issues of religious belief and practice.
• Theological ideas concerning human nature, creativity and worship, for example, are related to anthropological theories concerning self, society, symbol and ritual, and the fundamental anthropological phenomenon of 'merit making', framed by social rules and reciprocity as a mode of human relationship, is discussed in relation to theological ideas of grace. Similarly, anthropological theories of embodiment, death and sacrifice are explored in relation to theological reflection on incarnation and salvation. Many epistemological and methodological questions are raised throughout this engagement of theological and anthropological themes, as are questions about the contextualising and decontextualising of religious belief, the relationship between systematic theology and the practical theology of church members, and the possibility and the nature of a practical or empirical theology which uses information derived from social scientific research. Particular attention will be paid to selected studies of Christian groups as a means of discussing these issues.

Learning Outcomes

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

One 5000 word essay