Religion is studied from a multitude of approaches and methodologies: history, anthropology, philosophy, sociology, psychology and the academic study of religion. This volume differs from most other introductions and handbooks in that it draws on ongoing research to show "how" researchers approach their topics. Its aim is to provide orientation in this multidisciplinary context without attempting to homogenize the field.

This introduction provides students with an overview of four key issues when choosing an approach to studying religion in a multidisciplinary context:

• the ways scholars conceptualize and delineate "religion" as an object of study
• what theory is and what it is for
• at what level of analysis research may take place
• the "problem of belief" in the study of religion.

In subsequent chapters, each author discusses material from their own research to demonstrate the approach and methodology they apply and what kind of insights these yield.