Title
In Search of Dreamtime: The Quest for the Origin of Religion (Religion and Postmodernism),Used
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In this pioneering work of discourse analysis, Tomoko Masuzawa observes that the modern study of religion is peculiarly ambivalent toward the question of origin. Today's historians of religion maintain that they have abandoned speculative quests for the origin of religion; at the same time, they allege that concepts of absolute beginnings are fundamental to religion itself. By renouncing the desire for origins that they claim religious peoples embrace, historians can vicariously participate in the forbidden questso it seemswithout forfeiting the authority accruing from their objectivist position.This ambivalence of contemporary scholars echoes their ambivalence toward the ancestral 'giants' of the discipline: Durkheim, Mller, and Freud. Masuzawa shows that the speculations of these three men on the origins of religion render the very notion of time and history problematic and contain powerful instruments for dislodging the position of 'Western man' as the keeper of knowledge. Her critical rereading of these forefathers is framed by a compelling discussion of the postmodernist subversion of absolute origins in the works of Walter Benjamin and Rosalind Krauss and a comparison of Mircea Eliade and Nancy Munn's accounts of the Australian aboriginal 'dreamtime.' Engaging a number of critical issues within the burgeoning field of cultural studies, Masuzawa's book will have farreaching implications not only for religious studies but throughout the human sciences.
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'In Search of Dreamtime'? A: The main theme of 'In Search of Dreamtime' revolves around the quest for the origin of religion and the ambivalence within modern religious studies regarding this topic.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'In Search of Dreamtime' is Tomoko Masuzawa, who is known for her critical analysis in the field of religious studies.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: 'In Search of Dreamtime' is available in a paperback binding, making it easy to handle and read.
- Q: When was 'In Search of Dreamtime' published? A: 'In Search of Dreamtime' was published on December 1, 1993.
- Q: How many pages are in this book? A: 'In Search of Dreamtime' contains 232 pages of insightful content.
- Q: What subjects does this book cover? A: The book covers subjects related to religion and spirituality, including critical discussions on the origins of religion and cultural studies.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, 'In Search of Dreamtime' is suitable for academic study as it addresses critical issues within religious studies and cultural studies.
- Q: What is the significance of the title 'In Search of Dreamtime'? A: The title refers to the exploration of the concept of 'dreamtime' in Australian Aboriginal culture and its implications for understanding the origins of religion.
- Q: Does this book include discussions of historical figures in religious studies? A: Yes, the book discusses historical figures such as Durkheim, Müller, and Freud, and their contributions to the understanding of religion.
- Q: What is the condition of the book being sold? A: 'In Search of Dreamtime' is available in new condition, ensuring that readers receive a quality product.