Approaches to the Study of Religion Essay -- Theology Religion Sociolo

The sociological approach looks at religious belief and practice in sexual intercourse to the friendship. Sociologists are interested in two themes, the centrality of morality in society and the diversity of forms it inhabits (Hamilton 1995/20011). It regards religion as a social fact unresolved to empirical observation, which produces empirical evidence (Dillon 20037). The sociology of religion is a product of the enlightenment, from which it acquire a tendency to dismiss religion as incompatible with understanding (Dillon 20036). This dismissal has had significant impact on the attitude towards religion and it is the keister for the most influential paradigm in the history of the field secularisation. The secularisation theory claims that religion is or will be on the lessen in society. So profound was its impact that modern sociology often aims to musical score for the continued presence of religion in society and has generally held a rather negative view of religion as being an misfortunate arena of study(Davies 20072). The reason for the secuarlisation can be seen in the fact that sociology is a theory both guided by and aims to build theories (Wuthnow/Dillon 200321). Theories require synopsis and generalisation. It is impossible to analyse a subject without first defining the subject (Robertson 197034). Definition is a contentious issue because disparate interpretations entail different criteria which lead to different patterns being indentified in data. Theories are created by the acknowledgement of patterns in data which are then generalised.(Davies 20075). Thus a definition will vastly affect the content and concept of a theory. Definitions of religion in sociology fall into two categories, functional and substantive. This essay will assess... ...in the answers moreover in the question.Works CitedDavie, Grace (2007) The Sociology of organized religion. London. Sage PublicationsDillon, Michele (2003) Handbook of the Sociology of mora lity. Cambridge. Cambridge university pressHamilton, Malcom (1995/2001) The Sociology of Religion Theoretical and Comparative Perspectives. 2nd edition. Routledge. LondonHunt, Stephen J (2002) Religion in Western Society. London. PalgraveMcGuire, Meredith B. (1997) Religion The Social Context 4th edition. Wadsworth Pickering, W.S.F. (1984) Durkheims Sociology of Religion Themes and Theories. Routledge. LondonRobertson, Ronald (1970) The Sociological Interpretation of Religion. Blackwell Sociology Series. London Steinsaltz, Adin (2000) A Guide to Jewish Prayer . New YorkWuthnow, Robert (2003) Studying Religion, Making it Sociological in Dillon (2003) pp.16-30