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Religious studies today are witnessing new developments as a result of the application of Cognitive Science of Religion (CSR) Methods to religious phenomena. Cognitive methods contain a collection of over 60 methods sections from CSR articles and CSR-specific topical and methodological entries. Validated instruments, measures, and methodologies are adapted and reused in CSR methods. Here, the major empirical research methods arc described. However, Chinese scholars have not discovered the central stream in psychology of religion. We discuss that mixed methods will play an important role in the future and will be applied to the variety of religions related to ethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TV show Supernatural is saturated with a widespread range of religious representations. These elements often serve to instigate the storyline for one or more episodes, but do so in a way that is removed from their original setting in, for example, traditional religious contexts. In Supernatural, religion is subsumed to media logic and thus transformed religious representations are an example of a continuous process of mediatization of religion. This essay applies a three-sided theoretical approach considering mediatization, cognitive anthropology and social theory. These transformations of banal religious representations in Supernatural come about in three ways; (1) as a mainstreaming of occulture, (2) through connecting banal religious elements to existential themes, and (3) through playful intertextuality. The series apply these narrative devices, which heighten plausibility and familiarity, while simultaneously offering viewers a change in perspective, thus creating opportunities for viewers to renegotiate existing religious imaginations. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]