In Chapter 1, Eller presents some of the theories that various scholars have taken to explain religion anthropologically. For this discussion paper, you will be able to explore one that you find particularly interesting a little more deeply. It might interest you for any number of reasons. For instance, you may find it to be particularly profound, confusing, surprising, or even nonsensical–the reason does not matter.
In your exploration, you must read something the theorist him/herself has written to see what they actually say about the subject. That might be in a journal article or a book, possibly a published interview. Your goal is to understand what they themselves say is the explanation for why people are religious. Look for how it agrees (or disagrees) with the way Eller conveyed that person’s views. Look also for added insight into that perspective, beyond what Eller conveyed.
Instructions:
1. (Due 9/13) Write an essay to explain:
A. Why you selected this thinker/theory;
B. How what you found in your by research agrees and/or disagrees with how Eller presented it;
C. What additional point(s) you learned about their view from your research.
Your submission should be a brief (2-3 pages) but analytical research paper that a) defines critical terms and presents an academic argument that includes:
b) an introduction with thesis statement (your position/claim that results from your critical thinking and research)
c) claims supported by evidence
that draw on scholarly views from different perspectives (e.g., contrasting, opposing, or similar)
and are organized with appropriate paragraphing and connecting terms
d) and a conclusion.
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