The Insider/Outsider Problem: An RSP Remix

Summary

In this remix episode of The Religious Studies Project, the focus is on the Insider/Outsider problem within religious studies. Scholars discuss the challenges and perspectives of studying religion from both an insider's and outsider's viewpoint. The conversation delves into objectivity, representation, and the impact of discourse on religious understanding and social dynamics. The episode aims to provide valuable insights for educators and students engaging with religious studies.

Takeaways

• 🎧 The episode discusses the Insider/Outsider problem in religious studies, highlighting the perspectives of both those who practice a religion and those who study it academically.
• 🧐 An 'insider' is typically a practitioner of a religion, while an 'outsider' is often a scholar who does not practice the religion they study.
• 🔍 Outsider scholars aim to make the 'strange' familiar to themselves and their audience, focusing on understanding and accurately representing religious practices and beliefs.
• 🤔 The role of an insider scholar is to critically examine their own religion, making the familiar 'strange' by identifying and questioning underlying assumptions.
• 📚 Scholars are encouraged to approach their study with methodological agnosticism, focusing on understanding rather than questioning the truth of religious beliefs.
• 🤝 The insider perspective can bring deep personal understanding, but may also risk bias or over-privileging their own tradition.
• 🔎 Outsider perspectives can offer objectivity, but may struggle with fully grasping the personal significance and meaning of a religion to its followers.
• 💬 The discourse on being an insider or outsider is not just academic; it involves the way scholars engage with and are part of the religious discourse they study.
• 🌐 The terms used to describe religious groups are political choices that reflect power dynamics and should be recognized as such in academic discussions.
• 👥 Studying insider/outsider discourses can reveal how social groups are formed, how power is articulated and negotiated, and how certain views become dominant or naturalized.

Q & A

What is the 'Insider/Outsider' problem in religious studies?

The 'Insider/Outsider' problem refers to the challenge of studying religions either from within (as a believer) or from the outside (as a non-believer), and how each perspective may shape understanding and representation of the religion.

How does George Chryssides define the roles of insiders and outsiders?

George Chryssides explains that insiders are followers of the religion they study, while outsiders are those who study it without being practitioners. Insiders may struggle to see problems with their faith, while outsiders work to make the unfamiliar aspects of the religion understandable.

What does Chryssides mean by 'making the strange familiar'?

Chryssides means that outsiders, who view a religion from the outside, must make unfamiliar religious practices and beliefs understandable both to themselves and their audience, without misrepresenting them.

How do insiders 'make the familiar strange' according to Chryssides?

Insiders, when studying their own religion, must critically examine aspects of their faith that may seem ordinary or unquestionable, thereby revealing underlying issues or assumptions that they might otherwise overlook.

Can scholars be objective when studying religion?

According to Teemu Taira, scholars cannot be fully objective because they contribute to the discourse on religion, either directly or indirectly. Even their analysis of religion is a discursive practice that influences perceptions.

How does Linda Woodhead approach the challenge of representing religions truthfully?

Linda Woodhead emphasizes that scholars must aim to represent religions truthfully, while recognizing that truth is relative to context. Scholars must adapt their representations depending on whether the audience is hostile or deeply committed to the religion.

What is Bruce Lincoln's perspective on the role of religious studies scholars?

Bruce Lincoln believes that scholars should engage in serious conversations with believers, but their primary role is to make religious beliefs accessible to others. They should not simply mediate or represent beliefs, but rather analyze and critique them.

Why is it important to study discourses about religion?

According to Russell T. McCutcheon, studying discourses about religion helps understand how systems of dominance, marginalization, and power are articulated and negotiated. These discourses shape the way societies view and organize religion.

What challenge does Steven Ramey highlight regarding the use of religious terms?

Steven Ramey points out that while terms like 'Hindu' or 'Buddhist' are necessary for self-identification, scholars often assume these terms represent a real, essential identity. He stresses that these terms are political choices that shape the discourse around religion.

What is the benefit of studying the insider/outsider discourse in religion?

Studying the insider/outsider discourse helps scholars analyze how religious identities are formed, maintained, and challenged. It provides insights into group biases, in-group and out-group dynamics, and the role of propaganda in shaping perceptions of religious groups.