On the other hand, I see a much more dynamic relationship
between the
inherited worldviews of these communities and the
traditions presently practiced by them.
From these
traditions, we have
inherited not only the specific substantive emphases that distinguish each from the others but a legacy of common themes as well: (1) a theoretically grounded rationale for the importance of studying religion in any serious effort to understand the major dynamics of modern societies, (2) a view of religion that recognizes the significance of its cultural content and form, and (3) a perspective on religion that draws a strong connection
between studies of religion and studies of culture more generally — specifically, studies of.