The Encyclopedia of Religion

The Encyclopedia of Religion, published in 1987 under the editorial direction of Mircea Eliade, stands as a comprehensive reference work covering religious traditions, concepts, and practices across human cultures. The original 16-volume set contains over 2,700 entries written by international scholars and experts in religious studies. The encyclopedia spans topics from ancient mythology to modern religious movements, including detailed examinations of rituals, sacred texts, and theological concepts. Each entry provides historical context, cross-cultural comparisons, and scholarly analysis supported by extensive bibliographies. Contributors approach their subjects through multiple disciplines including anthropology, sociology, psychology, and history. The work maintains academic rigor while remaining accessible to both scholars and general readers interested in comparative religion. The encyclopedia's scope and depth reflect Eliade's vision of religion as a fundamental aspect of human experience, connecting sacred traditions across time and culture. Its systematic organization and cross-referencing system create a network of religious knowledge that reveals patterns in how humans understand and express the sacred.

Readers value this encyclopedia as a comprehensive academic reference on world religions, citing its detailed cross-referencing and scholarly depth. Many highlight its usefulness for religious studies students and researchers. Positives from reviews: - Clear organization of complex religious concepts - Thorough coverage of non-Western traditions - High-quality contributor expertise - Helpful bibliographies for further reading Common criticisms: - Dense academic language can be challenging for general readers - Some articles assume prior knowledge - High price point limits accessibility - Some bias toward Western interpretations of Eastern religions Ratings: Goodreads: 4.5/5 (42 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (15 reviews) Specific comments: "The cross-referencing system makes unexpected connections between traditions" - Goodreads reviewer "Articles can be overly theoretical for introductory students" - Academic reviewer on H-Net "Worth the investment for serious religious studies scholars but may overwhelm casual readers" - Amazon review

The Sacred and The Profane by Mircea Eliade A text that explores the fundamental differences between sacred and secular human experiences across cultures and time periods.

The Golden Bough by James George Frazer A comparative study of mythology and religion that traces common patterns in religious beliefs and ritualistic practices across civilizations.

The Varieties of Religious Experience by William James A systematic examination of religious experiences from a psychological and philosophical perspective, drawing from first-hand accounts across traditions.

The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell An analysis of hero myths from world cultures that reveals common patterns in religious and mythological narratives.

The Myth of the Eternal Return by Mircea Eliade A cross-cultural investigation of how societies perceive time, history, and cosmic cycles through their religious beliefs and practices.

🔹 Though published in 1987, The Encyclopedia of Religion remains one of the most comprehensive works on comparative religion ever created, containing over 2,700 entries from 1,400 global scholars 🔹 Author Mircea Eliade developed the influential concept of "eternal return" - the idea that religious people seek to return to a sacred time through ritual and ceremony 🔹 The encyclopedia was so expansive it required 16 volumes in its original printing, with entries covering everything from major world religions to obscure tribal practices 🔹 Eliade's work was revolutionary because he approached religious studies from a non-judgmental perspective, treating all beliefs as equally worthy of serious academic study 🔹 The 2005 second edition added hundreds of new entries on modern religious movements, feminist theology, and religious responses to technological advancement