Hi Al,
I have read this and i found it both interesting and useful. Snoek's
approach uses definition theory, attempting to define a subject through
both monothetic and non-fuzzy categories, essentially close-ended
categories) and polythetic and fuzzy categories (just the opposite) in
order to create a definition that is simultaneously narrow enough to not
include every possible usage of the term initiation and broad enough to
include common variations. In this whay he attempts to form a definition
of "initiations" that fits common notions of the term while being able
to include specific instances. I do, however, think that he as emic/etic
issues and too heavy an emphasis on etic understandings over emic ones
(if you've read Hanegraaff's "New Age Religion" then you have already
seen a similar approach), and I also think that his over all approach
will probalby not work to define everything, especially more nebulous
terms (such as "religion" or "ritual"), but it is at least an
interesting way to think about things.
peace
-jeffrey
Al Billings wrote:
> Has anyone read *Initiations: Method and Theory in Concept Formation
> in the Study of Religions* by Joannes Augustinus Maria Snoek? If so,
> what did you think of it?
>
> Al
>
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