Religion in Sociological Perspective

Abstract

PART ONE Introduction to the Sociology of Religion Chapter 1. What Do We Mean by the Term Religion? Chapter 2. A Scientific Perspective on Religion PART TWO The Complexity of Religious Systems: Integration and Conflict Chapter 3. The Role of Religion in Society: Macro Perspectives Chapter 4. Religious Experience, Symbol Systems, and World Views PART THREE Religion in the Lives of Individuals Chapter 5. Becoming and Being Religious Chapter 6. Conversion and Switching PART FOUR Formation and Maintenance of Religious Organizations Chapter 7. Organized Religion: Churches, Sects, and Cults Chapter 8. The Denominational Society PART FIVE Religion and Social Inequality Chapter 10. Religion and Racism Chapter 11. Religion, Gender, and Sexuality Chapter 12. Religion, Inequality, and Social Activism PART SIX Social Change and Religious Adaptation Chapter 13. Secularization: Religion in Decline or in Transformation? Chapter 14. Religion Outside the (God) Box Chapter 15. Religion and Globalization EPILOGUE The Sociological Perspective on Religion: A Concluding Comment