Burmese Supernaturalism

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology
Cover of the book Burmese Supernaturalism by Melford E. Spiro, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Melford E. Spiro ISBN: 9781351530378
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 12, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Melford E. Spiro
ISBN: 9781351530378
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 12, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Though the people of Burma, now called Myanmar, are formally Buddhist, their folk religion a type of animism or supernaturalism is so unlike classical Buddhism that it seems contradictory. For years scholars of religion and anthropology have debated the questions: Do these folk beliefs make up a separate religious system? Or is there a subtle merging of supernaturalism and Buddhism, a kind of syncretism? In either case, how exactly does folk religion fit into the overall religious pattern? Melford Spiro's Burmese Supernaturalism has been one of the major works in this debate, both for its position on the "two religions" question and for its arguments concerning the psychological basis of religion.

The book begins with an introduction to the study of supernaturalism. The next section of the work covers various types of supernaturalism, including witches, ghost, and demons. Other areas of discussion include supernaturally caused illness and its treatment, the shaman, the exorcist, and the relationship between supernaturalism and Buddhism.

In the introduction to this expanded edition Spiro further develops the underlying logic of his argument and evaluates the most recent contributions to the field of the anthropology of religion. Burmese Supernaturalism is an intriguing study and will provide insightful reading for anthropologists, sociologists, theologians, as well as those interested in supernaturalism in Burma (Myanmar) and other cultures.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Though the people of Burma, now called Myanmar, are formally Buddhist, their folk religion a type of animism or supernaturalism is so unlike classical Buddhism that it seems contradictory. For years scholars of religion and anthropology have debated the questions: Do these folk beliefs make up a separate religious system? Or is there a subtle merging of supernaturalism and Buddhism, a kind of syncretism? In either case, how exactly does folk religion fit into the overall religious pattern? Melford Spiro's Burmese Supernaturalism has been one of the major works in this debate, both for its position on the "two religions" question and for its arguments concerning the psychological basis of religion.

The book begins with an introduction to the study of supernaturalism. The next section of the work covers various types of supernaturalism, including witches, ghost, and demons. Other areas of discussion include supernaturally caused illness and its treatment, the shaman, the exorcist, and the relationship between supernaturalism and Buddhism.

In the introduction to this expanded edition Spiro further develops the underlying logic of his argument and evaluates the most recent contributions to the field of the anthropology of religion. Burmese Supernaturalism is an intriguing study and will provide insightful reading for anthropologists, sociologists, theologians, as well as those interested in supernaturalism in Burma (Myanmar) and other cultures.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book The Creative City by Melford E. Spiro
Cover of the book Bahrain and the Gulf by Melford E. Spiro
Cover of the book Strategic Processing in Education by Melford E. Spiro
Cover of the book Great Movie Serials Cb by Melford E. Spiro
Cover of the book Festival Encounters by Melford E. Spiro
Cover of the book Time Series in Psychology by Melford E. Spiro
Cover of the book Nursing & Health Survival Guide: Cancer Care by Melford E. Spiro
Cover of the book Making the Grade by Melford E. Spiro
Cover of the book Intimate Partner Violence, Risk and Security by Melford E. Spiro
Cover of the book Free-Thought in the Social Sciences (Routledge Revivals) by Melford E. Spiro
Cover of the book Understanding the Global Spa Industry by Melford E. Spiro
Cover of the book Performance and Practice by Melford E. Spiro
Cover of the book The Music Producer’s Survival Guide by Melford E. Spiro
Cover of the book The Life of the Mind by Melford E. Spiro
Cover of the book Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs by Melford E. Spiro
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy