Description
Book SynopsisThis third edition introduces students to key principles in the sociology of religionâfrom history and theory to contemporary debates. This edition features new material on the relationships of religion to race and ethnicity, and to gender and sexuality, the perceived rise of both fundamentalism and secularism, global religion, and more.
Trade ReviewClearly written and comprehensive in scope, this revised edition provides a refreshing update of ongoing empirical developments, conceptual debates, and continuing challenges in understanding the complexity of religion in contemporary society. -- Michele Dillon, University of New Hampshire; coauthor of American Catholics in Transition
I am very impressed with Sociology of Religion: Contemporary Developments. This volume provides a thorough treatment of sociological theories of religion and discusses an array of important conceptual issues in the field. -- Dr. John P. Bartkowski, University of Texas at San Antonio
Sociology of Religion offers great coverage of topics, in terms of both breadth and depth. The book offers up-to-date treatment, an accessible and engaging writing style, and a very good supporting bibliography. -- Andrew Dawson, Lancaster University, United Kingdom
Previous edition praise: This excellent book may well be the best text on the sociology of religion in print. * Teaching Sociology *
Table of ContentsPart One: The Basics 1.By Way of Introduction 2.Studying Religion 3.The “Religion” of Secularization and the History of Religions 4.Religion in the United States: Denominationalism and Beyond Part Two: Religion and Social Differentiation 5.Social Class, Religion, and Power: A Classic Field of Inquiry 6.Religion and Ethnicity: A Complex Relationship 7.Gender, Sexuality, and Religion: Spirituality in Different Voices? Part Three: Religion, Culture, and Change 8.Religious Change: The Case of Catholicism in the United States 9.The Globalization Dynamic: Historic Animosities or Postmodern Politics? 10.Mediating Meaning: Religion in—and as—Contemporary Culture 11.Boundary Issues: Church, State, and New Religions References
