Language in Religion

This is a collection of papers on the role of language in the structure of religious belief and on the function of language in the practices of different religions or faiths, with attention also to language as a factor in the organization of religious movements and in communication among members of the same religion. The study links theory and practiceit includes some contributions from theologians but it is also concerned with the practical implications of language in religion. The book will be of interest to scholars and students of religion and linguistics. Contents: Introduction: Language and CultureA Perspective; Explorations into Linguistic Practice as a Source of Religious Polarities or The Inevitability of Ineffability; The Meaning and Justification of Religious Propositions; Inclusive Language: Form or Substance; Mysticism and the Limits of Language; Mythic and Symbolic Verbal Structures and Literal Meaning in Literature; Fides Quaerens Verbum Hodiernum: Alternative Creeds and Speech Acts; The Bah i Faith and Universal Language; Esperanto in the Service of Religion; and Prepare, Pray, Practice and Proclaim: Church Lectors and the Inculcation of Linguistic Practice. Co-published with the Center for Research and Documentation on World Language Problems.