The Sociology of Religion

by Hamilton, Malcolm

• ISBN13: 9780415021876
• ISBN10: 0415021871
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1995-01-01
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

This book constitutes a comprehensive and wide-ranging introduction to theoretical debates in the sociology of religion, placing these theories in the context of specific religious beliefs and practices.The Sociology of Religion is a comprehensive and wide-ranging introduction to theoretical debates in the sociology of religion, placing these theories in the context of specific religious beliefs and practices.Using examples as diverse as primitive religions, Buddhism, millenial movements, the Protestant Ethic, secularisation, cults and the new religious movements, Malcolm Hamilton demonstrates the multiplicity of religious traditions and enables readers to place their own experiences in a wider context. He draws on both historical and anthropological perspectives in his examination of religious practices and outlines the work of major sociological theorists including Marx, Durkheim, Malinowski and other Functionalists, Frazer and Weber in the examination of world religion, bringing these theories up-to-date. The significance of each theoretical perspective is illustrated by chapters on particular beliefs and practices.

Author Biography

Malcolm B. Hamilton is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Reading.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Religion and Reason

Magic

Religion and Emotion

Buddhism

Religion and Ideology: Karl Marx

The Coming of the Millenium

Religion and Solidarity

The Birth of the Gods

Religion and Solidarity: The Functionalists

Taboos

Religion and Rationality: Max Weber

The Protestant Ethic Debate

Religion and Meaning

Secularisation

Religion as Compensation: Stark and Bainbridge

Sects, Cults Movements

Notes and Bibliography

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