Featuring comprehensive updates and additions, the second edition of Understanding Theories of Religion explores the development of major theories of religion through the works of classic and contemporary figures. * A new edition of this introductory text exploring the core methods and theorists in religion, spanning the sixteenth-century through to the latest theoretical trends * Features an entirely new section covering religion and postmodernism; race, sex, and gender; and religion and postcolonialism * Examines the development of religious theories through the work of classic and contemporary figures from the history of anthropology, sociology, psychology, philosophy, and theology * Reveals how the study of religion evolved in response to great cultural conflicts and major historical events * Student-friendly features include chapter introductions and summaries, biographical vignettes, a timeline, a glossary, and many other learning aids