The sacred quest (5th ed )

Preface.

Introduction.

The Breadth and Depth of Religious Experience

A Brief Outline of the Phenomenological Method

Attitudes and Institutions in the Study of Religion

A Final Word

Notes

Suggestions for Further Reading.

1. Toward a Definition of Religion.

The Search for a Definition of Religion

Elements of Religion

Religion and Human Thought

Religion and Feeling

Religion and Action

Individual and Social Existence

Values and Religion

Substance or Function?

Toward Resolution

A Proposal

In Conclusion

Notes

Suggestions for Further Reading.

2. The Nature of the Sacred.

The Complex Character of the Sacred

The Concept of Sacred Reality

Specially Distinctive

To Some Extent, Beyond the Volitional Control of Human Beings

Specially Prominent with Respect to Human Welfare

Properly Determinative of Various Aspects of Human Existence

Summary

Notes

Suggestions for Further Reading

3. The Appearance of the Sacred.

Types of Sacred Appearance

Varieties of Media

Sacred Objects

Sacred Time

Sacred Space

Sacred Appearance and the Complexity of Traditions

Notes

Suggestions for Further Reading

4. The Language(s) of the Sacred.

Myth

Stories

Story as Parable

The Preservation of Sacred Language

Oral Cultures

Scriptural Cultures

A Summary and Synthesis

The Language of Theology

The Visual Language of Religion

Language and Truth

Notes

Suggestions for Further Reading.

5. Ritual.

Myth(os) and Ritual

The Passover

Holy Communion (The Eucharist)

Rites of Passage

Birth Rituals

Rituals of Initiation

Rituals of Mourning and Death

Temporal Rites and Celebrations

The Religious Meaning(s) of Ritual

Adoration

Thanksgiving

Petition

Penance/Purification

Ritual as a Problem

Ritual as a System

Notes

Suggestions for Further Reading.

6. Sacred Communities.

The Social Character of Religion

Religion and Social Resistance

Heresy/Schism/Division

Tradition and Innovation

The Social Aspects of Worship

A Word of...