Craig Martin, A Critical Introduction to the Study of Religion, Sheffield: Equinox, 2012, ISBN 978-1-84553-992-4, 192 pp.

+ bibliography and indices.

Craig Martins book is a superb introduction to the study of religion. He does not, herein, introduce readers to religions per se. That is, he does not include a chapter on Islam and a chapter on Taoism and one on Christianity, etc. Instead, he guides readers to a clearer comprehension of the phenomenon of religion itself, with a primary focus on Christianity as the source of most of his examples. I had the privilege of reading through the manuscript in an earlier stage of its life and shared various ideas with the author; ideas which he seems to have taken to heart (to a certain extent). With that disclaimer out of the way, let me move on quickly to say that I very much enjoyed the final product and think others will as well. Craigs work is divided into eight chapters, as follows: 1) Studying Religion: Laying the Groundwork (pp. 1-18); 2) How Society Works: Classification (pp. 19-44); 3) How Society Works: Structure (pp. 45-70); 4) How Society Works: Habitus (pp. 71-92); 5) How Religion Works: Legitimation (pp. 93-116); 6) How Religion Works: Authority (pp. 117-144); 7) How Religion Works: Authenticity (pp.145-164); and finally, 8) Case Study: What Would Jesus Do? (pp. 165-188). The volume concludes with an Afterword (pp. 189-192) and the usual indices. Readers will note right off that the volume really is comprised of two parts: society (which undergoes analysis in chapters 2-4), and religion (evaluated in chapters 5-7). The introductory chapter 1 lays the foundation for the discussion and the concluding chapter 8 illustrates how everything fits together. Martin examines religion from the perspective of an outsider, and that may be the greatest weakness of his treatment. It remains an excellent treatment, let me add, but it could have more depth if there were a measure of personal investment by the author in the phenomenon. As a consequence, Martins work is more analytical, almost laboratory-esque in its approach lacking the warmth and profundity of a person who is himself or herself religious. Nevertheless readers should not at all be surprised by this approach since the title of the volume itself informs us from the very beginning that it is to be a Critical introduction. Speaking of the title, one slight improvement may have been made if it had been An Introduction to the Critical Study of Religion. Such a title would leave readers without room for misunderstanding- since A Critical Introduction to the Study of Religion may lead some to conclude that Martins evaluation is an attack on the phenomenon. It most certainly is not that! Its approach is, again, analytical. It is neither hot, nor cold, but lukewarm (in relation to its authors attitude towards religion).

My own proclivities to the side, many, many people will appreciate Martins neutrality. And all, regardless of their own religious persuasions or lack thereof will appreciate Martins engaging writing style and his folksy (in the best possible sense of that word) illustrations. It becomes immediately apparent that Martin is very much at ease in the presence of first year College students. He is able to make the most complex philosophical ideas plain and easy to comprehend, even for the iPad toting never have seen an 8 track in their lives generation. What, then, is his goal, in his own words? I want to emphasize the fact that this book is not designed to introduce students to specific theorists of religion or offer a history of important theories, but rather to give students the skills to analyze cultural traditions from a sociological, critical theory, or cultural studies perspective (p. xiii). Readers of the book, whether students or not, will be so equipped when they finish the volume. Martin evaluates his effort at the conclusion, writing This book has not offered a comprehensive explanation of religion or how religious traditions work. Instead, it is an introduction to how religious traditions can be used to create, maintain, and contest social order (p. 189). As an introduction it is a rousing success. Everything from the introductory material through the illustrative conclusion hammers away at just the goal Martin has set for himself. Now, if only someone inside the religious community would, or could, manage the same.

Jim West Quartz Hill School of Theology