Religion in Society A Sociology of Religion [Paperback]

For junior/senior-level courses in Religion and Society in departments of Sociology and Religious Studies. Using an unbiased, balanced approach, the 8th edition of this text puts religion in its social context by discussing the impact of society on religion and helps students understand the role and function of religion in society that occur regardless of anyone's claims about the truth or falsity of religious systems.PART I  INTRODUCTION TO THE SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION  Chapter 1: The Sociological Perspective  The Task of Sociology  Central Sociological Assumptions  The Sociology of Religion  Defining Religion  The Characteristics of Religion  A Working Definition of Religion  The Definition Applied to Magic   Final Reflection on the Definition of Religion  A Concluding Historical Note: The Development of the Sociology of Religion  Notes  Chapter 2: The Sources of Religion  Revelation As Origin  The Natural-Knowledge-Of-God Explanation  Anthropological Explanations  Psychological Explanations  Sociological Views  Rational Choice Theory  Conclusion  Notes  PART II  THE SOCIAL ORGANIZATION OF RELIGION  Chapter 3: Religion As A Group Phenomenon  Religion and the Characteristics of a Group  Religion and the Five Functional Prerequisites of Group Life  The Effects of Increasing Group Size  The Bureaucratization of Religion  Religious Leadership  Notes  Chapter 4: The Church-Sect Continuum of Religious Organization  The Sect  The Church  The Denomination  The Formation of Sects  The Impact of Deprivation on Sect Development  The Evolution of Sects  The Institutionalized Sect  The Cult  Other Non-American Cults&nbslS+