Ninian Smart and Transition from Analysis of Traditional Religions to Analysis of Worldviews

Leaving some important elements of the traditional phenomenology of religion aside، Ninian Smart proposes the dynamic phenomenology of religion or، in other words، the historical- comparative method، the main concern of which is to set evolutions of religious phenomena in their historical context. He holds that there are two mistakes in contemporary religious studies and philosophy of religion: the first is separation of religion and religions from the whole worldviews and the second is that they concern too little with existing religions and، in other words، they are culturally tribal. He also regards as insufficient the explanation of the phenomenon of religion and human life in terms of traditional religions alone. So he holds that the scope of religious studies must be developed to worldviews. He regards the analysis of worldviews to be the heart of his study of religion and defines other components of his theory، including world religion، in relation to it. But his view concerning the nature and relation of religion and worldview is confused.