Authors: Lindquist, Galina; Coleman, Simon

Source: Social Analysis, Volume 52, Number 1, Spring 2008 , pp. 1-18(18)

Abstract:

In this introduction we provide a genealogy of anthropological writings on belief and discuss the politics of using the term in cross-cultural contexts. We summarize the contributions to this issue and argue for the virtues of writing 'against'—rather than 'with'—the term in ethnographic texts. The article concludes with reflections on the way anthropological discussions of belief have expressed wider assumptions about the representation of culture.

Keywords: BELIEF; CHRISTIANITY; CULTURE; EXPERIENCE; MAGIC; RELIGION; REPRESENTATION; SCIENCE

DOI: 10.3167/sa.2008.520101