宗教研究中的理论和材料:从单一到多元

Theory and Data in the Study of Religions: From the Singleness to the Plurality

科学的宗教研究的出场依赖于人们在宗教研究中是否采用了严格意义上的科学理论。宗教研究中所运用的资料具有多样性。在宗教理论研究之先要坚持材料的优先性地位。单纯的材料可以批驳某种既定的理论 ,但不足以建构起一种新的替代性理论。宗教研究中材料种类的多样化必然要求与之相应的理论的多元化。宗教不能还原为某一种理论或学说 ,但它势必包括各种理论和学说。值得注意的是 ,宗教在多元的、不可化约的理论共同体中不是唯一发挥作用的领域。

The advent of the scientific study of religions depends on whether people make use of the scientific theories in the strict sense in the study of religions .The utilized data in the study of religions are plural.Data should have priority over research on religion theories. The data alone are sufficient to disprove an established theory, but are not enough to generate an alternative theory. The multiplicity kinds of data studies in religion call forth equal diversity of theories. The discipline of religion cannot be reduced to one theory or method, but of necessity, it includes a variety of theories and methods. It is worth noting that religion is not the only discipline that operates with a pluralistic body of non-reducible theories.