Religion in Sociological Perspective PDF
Preview Religion in Sociological Perspective
Religion In Sociological Perspective Sixth Edition 2 3 Religion In Sociological Perspective Sixth Edition KEITH A. ROBERTS Hanover College DAVID YAMANE Wake Forest University 4 For information: SAGE Publications, Inc. 2455 Teller Road Thousand Oaks, California 91320 E-mail: [email protected] SAGE Publications Ltd. 1 Oliver’s Yard 55 City Road London EC1Y 1SP United Kingdom SAGE Publications India Pvt. Ltd. B 1/I 1 Mohan Cooperative Industrial Area Mathura Road, New Delhi 110 044 India SAGE Publications Asia-Pacific Pte. Ltd. 3 Church Street #10-04 Samsung Hub Singapore 049483 Copyright © 2016 by SAGE Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America ISBN 978-1-4522-7582-6 This book is printed on acid-free paper. Acquisitions Editor: Jeff Lasser Editorial Assistant: Alexandra Croell eLearning Editor: Gabrielle Piccininni Production Editor: Laura Barrett Copy Editor: Melinda Masson Typesetter: C&M Digitals (P) Ltd. Proofreader: Jeff Bryant Indexer: Judy Hunt Cover Designer: Candice Harman Marketing Manager: Erica DeLuca 5 6 Contents Preface About the Authors PART I. Introduction to the Sociology of Religion 1. What Do We Mean by the Term Religion? Substantive Definitions Functional Definitions A Symbolic Definition Distinction Between Religion and Magic Invisible Religion Spiritual but Not Religious? The Concept of Religion as Employed in This Text A Final Word About Definitions Summary 2. A Social Scientific Approach to Studying Religion The Sociological Perspective Sociological Methods of Studying Religion Survey Research and Statistical Analysis Interviewing Participant Observation Content Analysis Historical–Comparative Analysis Experimentation Triangulation Summary PART II. The Complexity of Religious Systems: Integration and Conflict 3. Religion in the Larger Society: Macro Perspectives Functional Theory and the Functions of Religion Functional and Structural Functional Analysis The Functions of Religion Dysfunctions of Religion and the Diversity of Consequences Problems With Functional Analysis Conflict Theory and Religious Conflict Conflict as a Source of Social Disruption Conflict as a Source of Integration Conflict as a Source of Change Conflict as a Pervasive Element in All Social Life Problems With Conflict Analysis 7 Toward Synthesis: An Open Systems Model Summary 4. The Cultural Construction of Religion: Experience, Myth, Ritual, Symbols, and Worldview The Social Construction of Reality The Experiential Dimension of Religion Myth and Ritual Myth Ritual Relationship Between Myth and Ritual The Importance of Symbols Worldview, Ethos, and Symbols Summary PART III. Religion in the Lives of Individuals 5. Becoming and Being Religious Religious Socialization and the Intergenerational Transmission of Religion Social Learning Theory Channeling Through Peers and Schools Religion Over the Life Course Adolescence Emerging Adulthood Mature Adulthood Later Life Age, Cohort, and Generational Effects on Religion A Multidimensional Model of Commitment Moral Commitment Instrumental Commitment Affective Commitment A Commitment Dilemma for Liberal Faith Communities Religion and Identity Religious “Nones” Summary 6. Conversion and Switching Conversion, Brainwashing, and the New Religious Movements Process Models of Conversion Predisposing Conditions Situational Contingencies Critique and Evolution of Lofland’s Process Model Religious Choices and Commitments: A Rational Choice Model The Convert and Active Choice Religious Choices: Costs and Benefits in a Supply and Demand “Market” 8 Critique of Rational Choice Theory Religious “Switching” Explaining Religious Switching Switching and the Growth or Decline of Religious Bodies Apostasy Summary PART IV. Formation and Maintenance of Religious Organizations 7. Organized Religion: Churches, Sects, Denominations, and “Cults” Charisma and the Charismatic Leader The Routinization of Charisma Dilemmas of Institutionalization The Dilemma of Mixed Motivation The Symbolic Dilemma: Objectification Versus Alienation The Dilemma of Administrative Order: Elaboration of Policy Versus Flexibility The Dilemma of Delimitation: Concrete Definition Versus Substitution of the Letter for the Spirit The Dilemma of Power: Conversion Versus Coercion Institutional Dilemmas and Social Context Classifying Religious Organizations The Church–Sect Typology Classical Distinctions The Church and Sect as Open and Closed Systems Yinger’s Multilinear Evolution Model Social Conditions That Generate Each Type of Group New Religious Movements, aka “Cults” Summary 8. Organized Religion: Denominationalism and Congregationalism The Denominational Society Theology and Social Processes in the Proliferation of Denominations Beyond Denominations? Transdenominational Evangelicalism Nondenominationalism Denominations and De Facto Congregationalism Congregational Demography What Do Congregations Do? Megachurches Multi-Site Churches “New Paradigm” and “Seeker” Churches: Congregations With a Marketing Strategy The Audience: Targeting Markets Creating an Appealing “Product” 9 Pragmatism About Methods and an Uncompromising Message Summary PART V. Religion and Social Inequality 9. Religion, Economics, and Social Class Religious Ethics and Economic Action Weber’s Protestant Ethic Thesis The Prosperity Gospel and Modern Capitalism Social Class and Religious Involvement: Interactive Processes Religion and Social Class Stratification Religion and Social Stratification Outcomes Explaining the Connection Between Religion and Social Stratification Socioeconomic Status and Style of Religiosity Summary 10. Religion and Race Race, Ethnicity, and Religious Identification Racial Segregation in Congregations Explaining Congregational Racial Segregation Religion, Racial Prejudice, and Racism as a Worldview Religion and Prejudice Racism as a Worldview Sources of Racism in Christianity Meaning Factors Belonging Factors Institutional Factors Social Conflict and Religious Expression: The Conflict Perspective Summary 11. Religion, Gender, and Sexuality Gender and Religious Involvement Feminization of Religion Religion and Risk Tolerance Sexism in the Religious Meaning and Belonging Systems A Historical Overview of Gender Attitudes in Western Christianity Religious Belonging Systems and Gendered “We” Versus “They” Thinking Religion and Institutional Sexism Ordination of Women The Organizational Survival Impulse and Women Clergy Open Systems, Comparison Communities, and Religious Gender Roles Religion, Individual Gender Role Attitudes, and the Social Construction of Difference Negotiating Gender Barriers in Religious Communities Religion and Sexuality 10
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