Religion: Sources, Perspectives, and Methodologies serves as a primer to the study of religion. By employing literature, film, art, history, and other disciplines, the approximately 22 thematic chapters begin with a brief history of the modern practice, segue into religion and the social sciences, continues with chapters on gnosticism, material culture, studies of myths and rituals, which serve as introductions to the subfields covered in the succeeding nine volumes in the series. Targeting undergraduates as well as the educated lay reader, Religion: Sources, Perspectives, and Methodologies introduces themes of subsequent volumes in the series as well as a selection of additional topics (e.g., environment, medicine, poetry). Chapters are written by eminent scholars, are peer reviewed, include illustrations, and offer bibliographies to encourage further research. The volume concludes with a glossary and a comprehensive index.