Encyclopedia of Religion, Volume 6: Goddess Worship–Iconoclasm

Volume 6 continues the comparative and interdisciplinary framework of the Encyclopedia of Religion by integrating theology, philosophy, history, anthropology, sociology, textual interpretation, medicine, and visual studies. Its entries explore both major religious traditions and recurring themes, with particular attention to goddess worship, healing, Hinduism, holiness, human rights, sacred images, and iconoclasm. The volume demonstrates how religious communities understand divine presence, transmit sacred authority, organize collective identity, respond to illness and suffering, and negotiate the legitimacy or rejection of visual representation. Authorship and revision dates distinguish retained, revised, and newly commissioned articles, while cross-references and selected bibliographies support comparative and advanced academic research.