Approaches to the Study of Religion

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Nongbri wrote that Augustine and John of Damascus believed that other religions were half Christians. Buddhist beliefs and practices in Augustine’s opinion, were “half-Christian”. “Surprise has sometimes been registered at Islam being described as a Christian heresy, but that is clearly not what is meant here.” Distinguishing between religions implies that one is either anti-Semitic or free-thinking, which in some circles is anti-climactic. Nongbri is trying to bring out how one can see the differences between the two and come to an educated conclusion with a complete picture. His ideas are to enhance upon what is, show what was, and let one choose.

Past

As stated before Nongbri looked into the past to understand the meaning of religion, to do so he translated religion from Latin (religio), Greek (threskea), and Arabic (din, milla and umma) persist in speakigterms. Being translated into religion did not have those definitions. Nongbri traces it back to early Christians, and modern uses. Umma is translated to community, but the modern version has it as religion; while milla is translated as law or sect of Abraham. Based upon this information, he believes that these terms do not fall within the private or ideal sphere connected with the modern perception of religion. Taking the modern era and analyzing it with the ancient era takes accomplishments, the notions put together cover newly discovered framework.

In appearances religion stems from “ancient religion” to the newly formed ventures that classification of a world religion framework with ancient historical developments. The more modern idea of entrenched religion has developed into a more speech-making by which researchers can persist in communicating as if religion were an age-old theory.

Summary

In closing, Nongbri believes that all modern theories are related to ancient era. Is Nongbri right? Is religion a modern invention, term? Or does one revert to the scholars and believe that it is a “natural event” within the human past? Classifying religion is not a natural or neutral thing to do, it is fully a result of political factors. Do not abandon the term religion, he suggestion is that one use the term descriptively and rhetorically as it applies to one’s own standards. Use this to enhance traditional rituals and not to create a new religion. Nongbri believes that religion is a modern invention based upon the ancient texts, it is now up to each individual to decide for oneself what religion means to and for themselves.

Works Cited

Nongbri, B. Before Religion. New Haven: Yale University, 2013.