This book looks at the concept of tradition in the study of religion. It examines the history of the concept, uses in the discipline, theoretical perspectives (including Indigenous and post/decolonial studies, cognitive science and hermeneutics), and critical perspectives on key thinkers (Halbwachs, Gadamer, Ricoeur, J & A Assmann, Boyer, Morin) and recommendations for clearing the air of a key theoretical tension surrounding the concept of the invention of tradition.

Questioning the use of ‘tradition’ as a synonym for ‘religion,’ the book models a relational and ideology-critical approach to complex concepts. It engages with important theoretical issues, including opposition to ‘modernity,’ Indigenous ‘self-conscious traditionalism.’ colonial discourses, intersections with ritual, agency and reason and ‘the invention of tradition.’ Discussions – with examples from a variety of religions and cultures – including African, Indigenous North American, south Pacific, Afro-Brazilian, Japanese, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and esoteric. Four case studies – on esoteric Traditionalism, Candomblé, great/little traditions and Indigenous traditions in Canadian law – engage central ideas in greater detail.