Ritual studies today figures as a central element of religious discourse for many scholars around the world. Ritual Theory, Ritual Practice, Catherine Bell's sweeping and seminal work on the subject, helped legitimize the field. In this volume, Bell re-examines the issues, methods, and ramifications of our interest in ritual by concentrating on anthropology, sociology, and the history of religions. Now with a new foreword by Diane Jonte-Pace, Bell's work is a must-read for understanding the evolution of the field of ritual studies and its current state.

Late Professor Emerita of Religious Studies, Santa Clara University

Introduction
I. THE PRACTICE OF RITUAL THEORY
1. Constructing Ritual
2. Constructing Meaning
3. Constructing Discourse
II. THE SENSE OF RITUAL
4. Action and Practice
5. The Ritual Body
6. Ritual Traditions and Systems
III. RITUAL AND POWER
7. Ritual Control
8. Ritual, Belief, and Ideology
9. The Power of Ritualization
Bibliography
Index