Robert L. Winzeler aims to define "popular religion" systematically throughout this book. He distinguishes between the two fundamental dimensions of religion. This book is successful in introducing such a difficult topic to general readers without using too much academic jargon. It provides generous guidance as an introductory book. Readers who are interested in the study of comparative religions will benefit from reading this book.

Journal of Dharma Studies

Popular Religion in Southeast Asia gives a nice overview of religious life across a vast and incredibly diverse region of the world, providing solid historical information as well as several detailed case studies. Winzeler is the ideal author for such a work, as he is a prolific writer with decades of fieldwork experience in Sarawak, Borneo, in Malaysia as well as Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. His expertise informs every page yet despite his extensive knowledge (and the complexity of his subject), he writes in a way that accessible and quite engaging.... Almost any reader interested in religion as a social and economic phenomenon will find this book a rewarding read.

Nova Religio: The Journal Of Alternative And Emergent Religions

[T]he reader has a sure guide to some of the intricacies and complexities found in religion around the region…. [W]e find here quite a comprehensive survey of many different movements, providing in a single volume an accessible and useful guide and introduction to many major popular practices of Southeast Asia, as well as some colourful and idiosyncratic movements. The political and social contextualization is also well done…. In conclusion, I would encourage scholars of religion from many different traditions and regional specializations to engage this book to see what insights can be gained from the very particular and unusual context of Southeast Asia. Popular Religion in Southeast Asia will provide students with an excellent reference to popular religiosity in this part of the world, while also raising questions about the way we traditionally see orthodox/elite and unorthodox/non-elite practices in general.

Reading Religion

A well-constructed and accessible introduction to Southeast Asia’s multiple religions—both ‘major’ and ‘indigenous’—in their diverse settings. Winzeler offers solid historical foundation as well as contemporary social and cultural context. The result is an engaging book with much to offer regional specialists and comparative religious studies scholars.

Kenneth R. Hall, Ball State University