Abstract
The usual options scholars have when dealing with religious truth claims-methodological atheism, theism and agnosticism-are criticized for being restricted to the contrast between science and religion. They represent researchers' perspectives that are not helpful in studying believers' truth claims. Furthermore, they are associated with positivist or neo-positivist approaches to religion. Methodological ludism is presented as an alternative point of departure that connects well with current constructivist approaches to religion. Methodological ludism invites fieldworkers to use their human capacity for play by identifying temporarily, in a serious way, with believers' claims of true knowledge. This posture is described and explored in a case study of a Dutch healer, Jomanda.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 283-303 |
| Number of pages | 21 |
| Journal | Method and Theory in the Study of Religion |
| Volume | 23 |
| Issue number | 3-4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2011 |
Keywords
- methodological ludism
- Spiritualism
- fieldwork in religion
- anthropology of religion and spirituality
- ANTHROPOLOGY