Religion and Conspiracy Theories: An Introduction is the first accessible volume to systematically examine the relationship between religion and conspiracy theories in the contemporary world in critical and historical perspective.
It lays out the historical development of these important categories, considers different theoretical approaches and looks at case studies of conspiracy theories in religion, about religion and as religion. It maintains a critical perspective throughout on the relationship between truth and power, and in the process provides a fresh perspective on belief and worldviews in our modern world.
Designed for use in the classroom, the book features helpful diagrams and resources for teachers. It is an essential read for all students of religion and conspiracy theories, as well as scholars of politics, religious studies, sociology, anthropology and cultural studies.
Foreword
1. Everything You Know is Wrong
2. A Secret History
3. Conspiracy/Theory
4. The Economy of Stigmatized Ideas
5. Conspiracy Theories as Religion
6. Conspiracy Theories in Religion
7. Conspiracy Theories about Religion
8. Post-Truth?
Bibliography
Index
Biography
David G. Robertson is Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies at the Open University. His work focuses on the social construction of knowledge in religions, conspiracy theories and beyond. He is the author of UFOs, the New Age and Conspiracy Theories (2016) and Gnosticism and the History of Religions (2021), and co-editor of the Handbook of Conspiracy Theories and Contemporary Religion (2018).
"With Religion and Conspiracy Theories, Robertson manages to give an original theoretical contribution to the study of conspiracy theories while simultaneously presenting a highly readable introduction for students. Good examples and discussions are combined with sharp analyses and good pedagogical skills – I'm looking forward to using this in my next class."
Asbjørn Dyrendal, Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
