The promise of salvation : a theory of religion / Martin Riesebrodt ; translated by Steven Rendall.

Religion as discourse: on the critique of the concept of religion
Modern religious discourses
The indispensability of the concept of religion
On discourse-theory criticism
On postcolonial criticism
On the necessity of analytical concepts
From language to social reference
Religion as social reference: on justifying the concept of religion
Demarcation
Superimposition
Assimilation
The politics of religion
Travelers' reports
Conclusions
Scholarly imaginations of religion
Religion as a divine gift of reason
Religion as an experience of revelation
Religion as projection
Religion as protoscience
Religion as affect
Religion as a function of the brain
Religion as sacralized society
Religion as an interest in salvation
Religion as a commodity
Outlook
Religious practice and the promise of salvation: outline of a theory of religion
Defining religion
Understanding religion
Explaining religion
Averting misfortune: general religious practices
Religious calendars
Life-cycle practices
Variable practices
The radical quest for salvation: the practices of religious virtuosos
On the concept of virtuosity
Shamans
Christians
Jews
Muslims
Buddhists
Japanese virtuosos
Daoists
On the logic of virtuoso practices
Turning toward salvation: religious propaganda
Conversion and propaganda
Conversion narratives
Reports of enlightenment
Prophetic promises
The future of religion
On the universality of religion
Secularization, disenchantment, and deinstitutionalization
The return and the future of religion.