Religious studies draws on work by anthropologists, sociologists, philosophers, theologians, and others for an understanding of its subject matter. Many influential works are not written by specialist scholars in religious studies, but have still had a notable impact on our understanding of the concept of religion, of particular religious ideas, or on how religion should be studied. It is therefore essential for any student to be familiar with some, if not most, of these writings. This new Reader introduces students of religion to its most common current perspectives and approaches, and provides them with an understanding of how the discipline developed. Each section includes an introduction and suggestions for further reading, and can be used alongside the editors' accompanying textbook, Introduction to the Study of Religion.