Thinking with J. Z. Smith : mapping methods in the study of religion Thinking with J. Z. Smith brings together the contributions of scholars who consider theoretical and methodological issues central to J. Z. Smiths oeuvre in the context of their own research. Through analyses of Smiths own work as well as applications of his concerns to new situations historic periods and regions the contributors test the adequacy and applicability of Smiths ideas and thus provide an indirect assessment of his influence and legacy in the field of Religious Studies