Introduction

Abstract

AbstractThe introduction highlights the main issues that have arisen when exploring religion in Saudi Arabia, and the different approach this volume takes. It also explores the development of debates on religion in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating that the recent critiques of religion have some precedent, and showing how the internet and the rise of social media accelerated the development of those debates in both form and content. Then it discusses a personal encounter with heresy and nonbelief in Saudi Arabia which prompted interest in this matter and the writing of this book. It briefly points to the volume’s methodological justifications for using social media as a key source of social understanding. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this introduction discusses the key ethical considerations this volume has had to undertake as it analyzes public and private statements in matters of a highly sensitive nature.