Essays in the study of religion 1 when the chips are down 2 acknowledgments morphology and history in mircea eliades patterns in comparative religion 1949 1999 part 1 3 acknowledgments morphology and history in mircea eliades patterns in comparative religion 1949 1999 part 2 . Heady original and provocative relating religion is certain to be hailed as a landmark in the academic study and critical theory of religion discover the worlds research 19 million members. Relating religion essays in the study of religion one of the most influential theorists of religion jonathan z smith is best known for his analyses of religious studies as a discipline and for his advocacy and refinement of comparison as the basis for the history of religions. One of the most influential theorists of religion jonathan z smith is best known for his analyses of religious studies as a discipline and for his advocacy and refinement of comparison as the basis for the history of religions relating religion gathers seventeen essays four of them never before published that together provide the first broad overview of smiths thinking since his seminal