Ritualistics: an overview of research from a religio-psychological perspective

The study of rites or ritual has a long history. As far back as we can go in the history of religious studies we find analyses of the behavioural dimension of religiosity. It was only towards the end of the 19th century, however, that scholars began to pay more regular attention to rites. This new attitude was linked with an increased tendency to study foreign cultures, often within a discipline that had come to be called anthropology. In theology, and also very much within religious studies in general, greater notice has been given to the cognitive side, that is to say the study of myths and religiophilosophical questions. Gradually, the behavioural dimension and therefore rites have acquired greater significance in religious studies, something which the following presentation will demonstrate