The Encyclopedia of Religion, Volume 1

The Encyclopedia of Religion was conceived under the general intellectual direction of Mircea Eliade as a major international reference work for the academic study of religion. The introductory materials emphasize that religion should be investigated through diverse historical and methodological perspectives rather than confined to a narrowly theological definition. The encyclopedia consequently brings together scholars from numerous disciplines and cultural traditions to examine religious concepts, persons, myths, rituals, communities, institutions, and symbolic systems. Volume 1 establishes this methodological framework and begins the encyclopedia’s alphabetical survey, extending from the opening entries under “A” to the substantial treatment of Australian religions.

Volume 1 covers entries alphabetically from A through Australian Religions. It begins with subjects such as Aaron and proceeds through a wide range of religious figures, traditions, practices, concepts, and cultural formations. Representative entries include Abraham, ablutions, Aboriginal religions, Adam, aesthetics and religion, Aegean religions, African religious traditions, ancient Near Eastern materials, and numerous other topics concerning both historical and living religions.