Comparison, generalisations, and relationality in the Study of Religion\s

Abstract

This short response article will consider Oliver Krüger’s “relational paradigm” as offering a potential mediating position between proponents of systematic-phenomenological and critical-relational approaches in the study of religion\s. Following a recent stand-off in the Dutch study of religion\s, I examine the potential for careful comparisons and generalisations in the field. If Krüger is right and we have been relational for decades, the comparisons and generalisations of systematic and comparative research may be regarded with a charitable attitude. Rather than representing a return to the previous essentialist paradigm, such comparisons may be re-considered as explicit and reflexive approaches to religion\s in past and present. To explore such opportunities, I present four principles and one publication strategy in which relationality takes a central place.