Anthropology and archaeology are key disciplines in understanding the role religion has played in past societies and in present society. Religion is often a driving or very influential force in how societies are formed and how they function.
Anthropologists study humans through biology, behavior, language and culture from comparative, evolutionary and historical perspectives. In understanding religion, anthropologists look at symbols, beliefs, patterns of behavior, rituals and moral codes of humans. Earlier Western anthropologists are now thought to have looked at non-Western or non-monotheistic religions through a “primitivist” lens. But today’s anthropologists often follow the example of American anthropologist Franz Boaz, who believed humans live in a pluralistic universe with many realities, in which there are no “better” societies, only different ones. This approach fits well with the vastly globalizing nature of human society and the growing religious of diversity of people in America and around the world. Archaeologists study the material remains of past societies, which can serve as a source of information about religious traditions, ritual practices, symbolic systems and the sacred in pre-historic and historic contexts. Archaeology has contributed to important discoveries into how religious life was established and preserved in the archaeological record. |
Religion is a popular field for anthropological and archaeological research. There is keen interest, for example, in biblical archaeology among those hoping to find or disprove support for a historical basis for biblical accounts. Questions one could ask when engaged in this topic of research may arise from the sources of funding, and the goals and politics of sponsors and whether there is a religious bias. Political and religious situations in some nations also impact access to important sites for research. Researchers in these fields should prepare for adulation from religious groups when support for that religion’s historical basis is found, and criticism or dismissal from similar groups if contradictory evidence is found. Findings bring up the issue of whether faiths are in any way reliant on the integration of texts and traditions with artifacts in preserving practice of the faith; as well the potential power of archaeological findings to challenge existing beliefs. There is also interest among religious communities in understanding how their traditions were practiced in earlier times, which gives them context for modern-day interpretation and worship. Researchers could also explore how their own beliefs inspire or inform their work. |
Culture and Religion
Fieldwork in Religion
History of Religions
International Review for the History of Religions
Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion
Journal of Near Eastern Studies
Journal of Ritual Studies
Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion
Material Religion
Material History of American Religion Project
American Academy of Religion Syllabi Search
Religion and Anthropology
Prof. Frank Salomon
University of Wisconsin
Anthropology of Religion
Dr. Terry Prewitt
University of West Florida
Anthropology of Religion
Dr. Niccolo Caldararo
San Francisco State University
Archeology of Religion
Dr. Jason Neelis
University of Florida
Archeology and Biblical Interpretation
Dr. Andy Vaughn
Gustavus Adolphus College
American Academy of Religion
American Scientific Affiliation: A Fellowship of Christians in Science
Association of Muslim Scientists & Engineers
Association of Muslim Social Scientists of North America
Canadian Science and Christian Affiliation
Fellowship of Scientists
International Muslim Association of Scientists & Engineers
• See a full list of professional associations and resources here.