Roberto Cipriani, true global scholar of religion

Abstract

This is what I would like to highlight regarding Roberto?s work: hisstature as a truly global scholar of religion (probably one of very first ones), and his efforts to create a really global academic field of the sociology of religion. Roberto has certainly been one of the main actors to dispute anglofrancophone dominance, showing that scholars from countries other than the US, France, and England could also become relevant players in the prime academic leagues. His preoccupation with the creation of a more global, more nationally and ethnically diverse and more horizontal academic field in the sociology of religion is shown by his continuing participation in conferences and meetings other than the traditionally prestigious ones, as well as his lectures and presentations in a wide range of universities in several countries. Probably the finest and most telling example of this geographically all-encompassing and inclusive attitude is his book Manuale di sociologia della religione (according to the original Italian version, or Sociology of religion: an historical introduction as it was called when published in the United States).