People Doing Things: Residual Subject Realism in the Study of Religion

Abstract This article considers a common theoretical mood within the discipline of religious studies, one that is skeptical about the reality of religion but confident about the reality of people doing things. Analyzing this mood within the context of recent discussions surrounding realism, I argue that this mix of anti-realism with respect to religion and realism with respect to people doing things testifies to the lingering effects of a subject philosophy. Such residual subject-philosophical realism in turn suggests the uneven reception of structure philosophy, a way of thinking that rules out straightforward reference to the reality not only of religion but of people doing things as well. A more faithful reception of structure-philosophical insights suggests opportunities for re-theorizing the reality of religion.