Steven Engler

Steven Engler is a Professor in the Faculty of Humanities at Mount Royal University. He holds a PhD from Concordia University, an MA from the University of Toronto, and a BA from the University of British Columbia. His research focuses on Afro-Brazilian religions, methodological innovation in religious studies, semantic theory, and meta-theoretical intersections between religion and philosophy. Engler has authored/co-authored major works including The Oxford Handbook of the Study of Religion (2016) and The Routledge Handbook of Research Methods in the Study of Religion (2021).

His scholarly interests emphasize ethnographic fieldwork in Brazil, grounded theory application, and critical analysis of concepts like tradition and esotericism. Engler has received grants from SSHRC and the American Academy of Religion for projects on Afro-Brazilian ritual practices. He teaches at three levels: substantive content delivery, disciplinary representation, and ideological critique. His work bridges theoretical rigor with empirical research, particularly in understanding religious ambiguity and semantic complexity.

Notable contributions include studies on Umbanda, the role of semantics in religious discourse, and comparative analyses of global religious phenomena. Engler collaborates internationally, including with Sogang University’s Religion and Healing project in South Korea. His teaching philosophy integrates pedagogical innovation with critical engagement of religious and secular worldviews.