Seven Ways of Looking at Religion

“An invaluable resource for those interested in theories of religion, ways that they interrelate, and the potential shape of religion in the future.”—Choice

“The book should be a widely read guide to the ideas that structure many of the debates scholars are having today about the meaning of postsecularism and future of religion.”—Geoffrey Cameron, Review of Faith and International Affairs

“Benjamin Schewel delivers what may be the most teachable and quotable effort to date to orient conversations about religion after secularization.”—Peter Ochs, University of Virginia

"What is the future of religion and how should we narrate its past? For all readers interested in these questions, this balanced and concise book is a must read.”—Hans Joas, Humboldt University, Berlin, and University of Chicago
 

“When people think about the place of religion in human history, they often assume a narrative framework without realizing it. In this original and valuable book, Benjamin Schewel uncovers those frameworks and holds them up to critical inspection.”—Kevin Schilbrack, Appalachian State University 

“As we debate the secular and continue to question the secularization thesis, Seven Ways of Looking at Religion thoughtfully and provocatively allows us to recall and reconsider the stories we’ve told ourselves about religion and where it’s going.”—Tyler Roberts, Grinnell College

“Accessible yet deeply learned, Benjamin Schewel’s book lucidly exposits an impressively wide range of views, often using underappreciated or unknown figures to exemplify those views.  He offers an interesting and constructive argument about the likely career of “religion” in the centuries to come.”—Charles Mathewes, author of A Theology of Public Life