Comparison as Conversation and Craft
Journal Title: Religions - Year 2018, Vol 9, Issue 2
Abstract
This essay argues that comparison as a method of study within religious studies is best thought of in two terms: conversation and craft. As a conversation, comparison has its own history, which has included several major shifts. At present, comparative work would benefit from addressing the fact that Euro-Americans dominate the comparative conversation. This dominance limits conversational data, topics, strategies, and participants. At risk is the relevance of comparative work within religious studies. As a craft, comparative work is creative and idiosyncratic, reflecting the apprenticeship lineage in which the comparative scholar has been trained as well as her individual personality.
Authors and Affiliations
Kathryn McClymond
Keywords
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- DOI https://doi.org/10.3390/rel9020039
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