The Sociology of Religion
A Substantive and Transdisciplinary Approach
- George Lundskow - Grand Valley State University, USA
Other Titles in:
Sociology of Religion
Sociology of Religion
July 2008 | 464 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
Using a lively narrative, The Sociology of Religion is an insightful text that follows the logic of actual research, first investigating the facts of religion in all its great diversity, including its practices and beliefs, and then analyzing actual examples of religious developments using relevant conceptual frameworks. As a result, students actively engage in the discovery, learning, and analytical processes as they progress through the textùjust as a scholar pursues knowledge in the field and then applies theoretical constructs to interpret findings.This unique text is organized around essential topics and real-life issues and examines religion both as an object of sociological analysis as well as a device for seeking personal meaning in life. While primarily sociological in focus, the text incorporates relevant interdisciplinary scholarshipùthus teaching sociological perspectives on religion while introducing students to relevant research from other fields. Sidebar features and photographs of religious figures bring the text to life for readers.Key Features and Benefits:Uses substantive and truly contemporary real-life religious issues of current interest to engage the reader in a way few other texts doCombines theory with empirical examples drawn from the United States and around the world, emphasizing a critical and analytical perspective that encourages better understanding of the material presentedFeatures discussions of emergent religions, consumerism, and the link between religion, sports, and other forms of popular cultureDraws upon interdisciplinary literature, helping students appreciate the contributions of other disciplines while primarily developing an understanding of the sociology of religion InstructorÆs Resources on CD-ROM· InstructorÆs Resources on CD-ROM contains chapter outlines, summaries, multiple-choice questions, essay questions, and short answer questions as well as illustrations from the book. Contact Customer Care at 1-800-818-SAGE (7243) to request a copy (6:00 a.m.û5:00 p.m., PST).Intended Audience: This core text is designed for upper-level undergraduate students of Sociology of Religion or Religion and Politics.
Chapter 1 Theory
Chapter 2—A Sociological History of Religion
Section i ?Premodern Religion
Section ii. Religion in Modern Times
Chapter 3 Superstition and the Supernatural
Chapter 4 Alternative Religion
Chapter 5 Religious Intolerance and Violence
Chapter 6 Evil
Chapter 7 Cults
Chapter 8 Emergent Religion
Chapter 9 Globalization
Chapter 10 Religion Beyond Religion
Good overview, would be slightly difficult for students who are not only studying sociology.
Department of Health & Social Studies, Grimsby Institute of HE & FE
March 13, 2015
This text is far more insightful than texts that just go into various religions and describe the practices and rituals associated with them.
Sociology, Bethune Cookman College
September 13, 2013
Excellent book which gives a detailed over view of religion. Easy too read with interesting facts.
health and social care, northlindsey college
July 30, 2013
A very readable text, students felt it was easy to understand and clearly indexed.
General Education , Cardiff and Vale College
March 14, 2013
Nice overview, good body of general theory and balance with substantive discussion of religion.
Sociology Anthropology Dept, Purdue University
January 28, 2010