Comparative Religion - A History Apr 2026

: He details the influence of anthropologists like Sir James Frazer, whose work, The Golden Bough , proposed that religion evolved from "primitive" magic toward higher ethical systems.

: Critics have noted that Sharpe is weakest on East Asian traditions, largely omitting major figures like the sinologist James Legge. Comparative Religion - A History

: It remains an indispensable text for graduate students and scholars looking to understand the "in-house politics" and intellectual lineage of religious studies. Notable Criticisms : He details the influence of anthropologists like

: Some readers find the content disappointing if they are looking for a direct comparison of world faiths; the book focuses strictly on academic history and departmental developments. Notable Criticisms : Some readers find the content

Sharpe’s work is not a comparison of religious doctrines themselves, but a that built the field. He traces the shift from a missionary-led "science of religion" to a neutral, interdisciplinary academic study.

: Written in the 1970s, the final chapters are often viewed as the weakest part of the book, as they lack the "creative new patterns" that emerged in the field during the late 20th century.