Featuring comprehensive updates and additions, the second edition of Understanding Theories of Religion explores the development of major theories of religion through the works of classic and contemporary figures. A new edition of this introductory text, it spans the sixteenth-century to the latest theoretical trends in the field. New sections cover religion and postmodernism; race, sex, and gender; and religion and postcolonialism. The book examines the evolution of religious theories through the work of key scholars from anthropology, sociology, psychology, philosophy, and theology. It reveals how the study of religion has responded to cultural conflicts and historical events. Student-friendly features include chapter introductions and summaries, biographical vignettes, a timeline, a glossary, and many other learning aids.