First-, second-, and third-level discourse analytic approaches in the study of religion: moving from meta-theoretical reflection to implementation in practice

Abstract

During the past decade, an increasing number of scholars have started to highlight the usefulness of discourse analytical approaches in the study of religion. This article argues that the work that has been produced on the topic of discourse and religion thus far can be situated at different points along a continuum and be conceptualized in terms of first-, second-, and third-level approaches. This article aims to highlight, in particular, how the concrete application and implementation of discourse analytic theory and method in the study of religion in actual practice is dependent on these three types of approaches becoming further developed in close and more direct relation to one another.

Keywords:

• discourse
• discourse analysis
• social constructionism
• sociology of religion
• in-depth interviews