Occult Roots of Religious Studies: An Unexpected Connection between Non-Hegemonic Currents and Academia

Анотація

Abstract. The collective monograph Occult Roots of Religious Studies: On the Influence of Non-Hegemonic Currents, edited by Yves Mühlematter and Helmut Zander, offers an unconventional perspective on the relationship between the study of religion and non-hegemonic currents (esoteric movements, new religious movements, etc.) in the early stages of religious studies. The authors trace the influence of non-hegemonic currents on the academic interests and methodological approaches of religion scholars from the late 19th to the first half of the 20th century. The central hypothesis of the volume, well-supported by the articles presented in it, asserts that esotericism significantly influenced the development of religious studies, as many scholars were either interested in this worldview or actively participated in esoteric organizations and movements.