In recent years, millions of people have joined churches such as the Seventh-day Adventist which prosper enormously in different parts of the world. The Road to Clarity is one of the first ethnographic in-depth studies of this phenomenon. It is a vivid account based on almost two years of participation in ordinary church members' daily religious and non-religious lives. The book offers a fascinating inquiry into the nature of long-term commitment to Adventism among rural people in Madagascar. Eva Keller argues that the key attraction of the church lies in the excitement of study, argument and intellectual exploration. This is a novel approach which challenges utilitarian and cultural particularist explanations of the success of this kind of Christianity. Inhaltsverzeichnis People in Search of a Living Christianity and Seventh-day Adventism in Madagascar International and Local Structure of the Adventist Church Profiles Bible Study Knowledge of the Bible and Scientific Inquiry Text and Learning The Great Controversy The Construction and Rejection of Ancestral Religion Making Choices The Question of Kinship
Contemporary Anthropology of Religion Series
This series delves into contemporary theoretical and comparative approaches to the study of religion from an anthropological viewpoint. It features works addressing current themes and theoretical debates within the field. The books are aimed at academic researchers and students interested in a deeper understanding of religious phenomena in today's world. The collection showcases diverse perspectives and methodologies in the anthropology of religion.





Recommended Reading Order
"Body, Meaning, Healing" explores the intersection of religion and medicine in 'religious healing.' It examines the human body as a cultural phenomenon, drawing on two decades of research across various healing practices. The book delves into how suffering and the sacred shape our understanding of the therapeutic process and human experience.
The Halal Frontier. Muslim Consumers in a Globalized Market
- 186 pages
- 7 hours of reading
In "The Halal Frontier," Johan Fischer examines halal as a significant aspect of a growing global market, moving beyond niche practices. The book delves into contemporary interpretations and practices of halal consumption among middle-class Malays in the diaspora.
Empowering the Past, Confronting the Future: The Duna People of Papua New Guinea
The Duna People of Papua New Guinea
- 190 pages
- 7 hours of reading
The Aluni Valley Duna people of Papua New Guinea have navigated colonial and post-colonial challenges by creatively engaging with external influences, particularly from mining companies. They utilize their mythological themes to assert claims against these corporations while blending traditional practices with Christianity. This fusion empowers their cultural heritage, enabling them to confront contemporary issues and shape their future amidst neglect from government development efforts.
Focusing on the aftermath of the 1962 revolution in North Yemen, the narrative examines the personal experiences of a Yemeni hereditary elite who lost power after centuries of leadership. It delves into the cultural politics of memory, revealing how these individuals process their past and navigate their current realities in response to adversity. By highlighting their struggles, the book illustrates the moral and political dynamics that shaped the new regime's rise and the elite's attempts to reclaim their identity amidst significant historical change.