Methodological Ludism and the Academic Study of Religion

Bibliographic Data

ID7209080
AuthorsAndré Droogers (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, corresponding author), Kim Knibbe (0000-0002-1921-0871, Institute of Religious Studies)
Year2011
Volume23
Issue3
Pages283-303
Publication date2011-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueMethod & Theory in the Study of Religion (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0943-3058 • E-ISSN: 1570-0682
PublisherBrill (PUBLISHER • NL)
DOI10.1163/157006811x608395
OpenAlexW2048225524
LanguageEN
Citations received19

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. © 2011 Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden

Agnosticism · Atheism · Epistemology · Point (geometry · Positivism · Sociology · Theism · Philosophy · Religion and Society Interactions · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology · Study and Philosophy of Religion

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