Introducing Cultural Anthropology, 2nd Edition

"In Introducing Cultural Anthropology, Brian Howell and Jenell Paris deftly cover traditional anthropological themes such as culture, kinship, power, language, religion, and ritual. But more importantly, Howell and Paris show that anthropology is not just for intrepid missionaries or those interested in distant lands; rather, because it engages human themes such as poverty and injustice, gender and sexuality, and race and inequality, anthropology is an essential tool for understanding and contributing to our communities, churches, and neighborhoods. Introducing Cultural Anthropology is the ideal text for the thoughtful Christian classroom."

"I used the first edition of this book while teaching internationally diverse students in both Southern California and China. Introducing Cultural Anthropology is academically rigorous and well researched, covering critical terms and concepts, yet written in an easy-to-understand format. The additional online test banks and supplemental materials are helpful not only for students--particularly those who speak English as a second language--but also for the professor preparing to teach the material. The textbook and supplemental materials provide the foundation necessary for course preparation that focuses on the needs of students across cultures. Indeed, Howell and Paris have given us a great gift, capable of enriching the lives of countless students of anthropology. This textbook has inspired many lively discussions--picture Indonesians, Koreans, and Australians sitting on a floor in China discussing the costs and benefits of Colonialism and exploring surprising answers and insights! I am very excited about the second edition and the new chapter exploring medical anthropology. I have been working in the field for decades on medical issues that impact our cultures and have not found another textbook that adequately addresses this important subject. Their forward-thinking treatment of this topic and others will undoubtedly be an immense help in preparing students of anthropology and Christ-followers to engage with our global society."

"I heartily congratulate Howell and Paris on this second edition of Introducing Cultural Anthropology: A Christian Perspective; I also thank Baker Academic for inviting and facilitating the same. I invested in the first edition by teaching from it critically for five years. I am pleased to see numerous improvements in the second edition that both students and instructors should appreciate--for example, discussion questions at the end of each chapter, a new chapter on medical anthropology, and helpful revisions throughout. I am excited to see in the second edition the fruit of two fine Christian anthropologists regularly teaching its subject matter; discussing it intentionally with students and a wide range of fellow anthropologists; and continuing related research, conference presentations, and publication. I am more than glad to highly recommend this second edition."

Praise for the First Edition

"Howell and Paris have provided an introductory text for cultural anthropology that is not only well-written, informative, and interesting but also unique in bridging the gap between this secular discipline and Christianity. Theological excursions into subjects relevant to Christians, devotional exercises for contemplating the full significance of human life in biblical terms, and personal accounts of the paradoxes of the working life of Christian anthropologists are interwoven with clear and penetrating explanations of anthropological concepts. In all this, the authors are faithful to both Christianity and anthropology. This book will provide much food for thought to Christians interested in discovering the value of anthropology for life, ministry, and practice."

"This engagingly written book is the most up-to-date introduction to cultural anthropology for Christians currently available. The authors summarize contemporary social theory and offer their own research and experiences on the field as an invitation to see the world anthropologically. Readers are helped to reflect on biblical themes in the light of anthropological realities and are encouraged to apply what they learn to a wide variety of work and ministry settings around the world."

"Howell and Paris have done us a huge favor. This timely textbook will be a tremendous help to Christian educators and students alike. Introducing Christian Anthropology covers a comprehensive spectrum of contemporary anthropological topics ranging from conceptual considerations of 'culture' to concrete examinations of power structures, and it does so in an attractive and understandable format that will facilitate fruitful learning. Quite honestly, each chapter was my favorite until I read the next one!"

"This unique text will help students understand the increasingly interconnected world, while also giving them the tools to deal with the practical and ethical issues that our world presents. It also gives the reader a glimpse into the lives of a little-known species--the Christian anthropologist."

"This clearly written and well-organized text provides an insightful examination of cultural anthropology in a manner that encourages the integration of faith and learning. One of the most definitive ways that such integration manifests itself is through the authors' strategic placement of biblically based devotions at the conclusion of each chapter. These devotions help to facilitate further reflection on the major concepts discussed within the particular chapter from a Christian perspective. In addition, the inclusion of field and research illustrations from the authors' experiences as anthropologists as well as highlights from the experiences of other Christian anthropologists contribute depth and transparency to the systematic discussion of anthropological theory, concepts, and practice in the text. This is a needed resource within Christian higher education, and I highly recommend its use in introductory anthropology courses."

"The authors provide a concise and clearly written text that examines cultural anthropology from a Christian standpoint. Each chapter presents the subject matter in a form that preserves conventional scientific perspectives while viewing the subject through a Christian lens. This book fills a niche not previously addressed by the panoply of anthropological textbooks currently available."

"Introducing Cultural Anthropology provides an exceptional resource for helping students contextualize sometimes difficult anthropological topics such as culture, sexuality, and power with Christian faith. This integrative book updates previous offerings in anthropology, and does so in a way that is eminently readable and accessible to the student. Each author brings a distinct voice to the text, which helps the reader feel they are on a collegial journey with excellent guides. Highly recommended!"

"Introducing Cultural Anthropology has much to offer. Each chapter includes clear learning objectives, chapter outlines, brief but clear presentations of complex anthropological concepts--including culture, the nature of descent, and cultural theory--mixed with a biblical perspective on all these issues. The authors also bring themselves to the text, sharing their cultural experiences in dispersed fieldwork sites, their Christian values, and even their families--a true mix of culture and life. The chapters on religion and globalization are brilliant and all chapters are informative and challenging. I happily commend this book for use in college classrooms as well as missional training--students and all who anticipate ministry, whatever the context, will benefit."

"Finally--an anthropology textbook with a balanced Christian approach that covers all the basic anthropological topics in a captivating yet academic manner. Professionally written and well presented to enhance learning, I eagerly await this new textbook and plan to use it in my introductory anthropology classes."

"Howell and Paris's text is neither an introductory anthropology text with a bit of Christianity sprinkled on top nor a Christian devotional dabbling in cultural anthropology. Scholarly, critical, and passionately Christian, this text is a rich dialogue growing out of the life and work of particular Christians who have found great value from the lessons to be learned in the discipline of cultural anthropology. It is at once confessional and professional, reflexive as well as capturing succinctly the special contributions of the discipline of cultural anthropology. Special kudos for tackling head-on the tensions and difficult points of contact between Christian communities and anthropological theory and research while simultaneously highlighting strong examples of synergy. This book should be in widespread use in all institutions of Christian higher education serious about the study of culture."

"Introducing Cultural Anthropology is a cogent, up-to-date, and well-crafted survey of the field. Students are challenged to think anthropologically about the human condition and to comprehend the important contribution the discipline makes to faithful Christian witness. Foundational anthropological concepts are presented lucidly alongside engaging stories of real-life anthropologists working in the field. This text is an invaluable resource for students who are committed to advancing the public good through the diverse vocations they pursue beyond the classroom."

"For Christian students just starting their journey into anthropology, this is a good place to start. Written to be a text for undergraduate courses, Introducing Cultural Anthropology is short, readable, interesting, and covers the territory quite well. The final chapter will be especially helpful for those wondering whether or not anthropological study is helpful as a part of preparation for life."

"Howell and Paris offer a compelling introduction to cultural anthropology from a Christian perspective, addressing theory, modern and postmodern ideas, globalization, and the practice of anthropology. This is an important book for Christians studying cultures and I recommend it to academics, missionaries, and NGO workers alike."