VRZAL, Miroslav. Sociology which counts on gods? Why is symmetrical approach in the study of religions not a theological perspective. In Towards a Symmetrical Approach: The Study of Religions After Postmodern and Postcolonial Criticism, Brno, 29 November - 1 December 2012. 2012.
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Basic information
Original name Sociology which counts on gods? Why is symmetrical approach in the study of religions not a theological perspective
Authors VRZAL, Miroslav (203 Czech Republic, guarantor, belonging to the institution).
Edition Towards a Symmetrical Approach: The Study of Religions After Postmodern and Postcolonial Criticism, Brno, 29 November - 1 December 2012, 2012.
Other information
Original language English
Type of outcome Presentations at conferences
Field of Study 60300 6.3 Philosophy, Ethics and Religion
Country of publisher Czech Republic
Confidentiality degree is not subject to a state or trade secret
RIV identification code RIV/00216224:14210/12:00063223
Organization unit Faculty of Arts
Keywords in English non-reductive sociology of religion; symmetrical approach; symmetry; theologically-oriented approaches; supernatural entities; ontological status
Tags rivok
Changed by Changed by: Ing. Mgr. et Mgr. Miroslav Vrzal, Ph.D., učo 178603. Changed: 31/10/2016 20:44.
Abstract
In my contribution I would like to show that although there really is the need to take 'gods' into account in terms of the symmetrical approach (in case our data mention them), it does not mean that it is truly the theologically-oriented approach. While theology or other theologically-oriented approaches to the study of religions (for example phenomenology of religion) presuppose the existence of God (gods), supernatural entities or sacred as an ontological category, the symmetrical approach to the study of religions does not automatically do so. It consistently focuses only on what people do and reflect. Consequently we might even consider 'gods' to be real existing entities in the given situation. And that is because people talk about gods employed in their lives and also that they might communicate with them. Nevertheless it does not mean that we need to pre-suppose their ontological existence. We cannot have double standards for their existence and non-existence. Therefore the matter is not to normatively assume or by ourselves prove the ontological status of 'supernatural' entities, but not to exclude such entities from the survey situation automatically, in case the data available (reflections and behaviour of people) discuss them.
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