Religion in Society: A Sociology of Religion - Hardcover

Johnstone, Ronald L.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0137723857 ISBN 13: 9780137723850

Publisher: Prentice Hall, 1991

Synopsis

This book offers a sound analysis of religion as a social institution that is interdependent and in constant interaction with other societal units. It helps readers understand the role and function of religion in society that occur regardless of anyone's claims about the truth or falsity of religious systems. Balanced and unbiased, it shows the sociology of religion as a subject that is rich and bountiful. The focus is on American religious institutions, but includes many examples of the interaction of religion and society in other cultures both historic and contemporary; readers will encounter major discussions of Islam and other non-Western religions. For sociologists, clergy, and researchers in the fields of religion and religious studies.

About this title

From the Publisher:

Fresh with new insights, issues, and developments, this text offers a sound analysis of religion as a social institution that is interdependent and in constant interaction with other societal units. Objective in approach, it shows students the importance of chronicling and analyzing the actions and reactions of religious institutions in our endeavor to understand how societies function and change.

From the Back Cover:

Key Benefit: Fresh with new insights, issues, and developments, this intriguing book offers a sound analysis of religion as a social institution that is interdependent and in constant interaction with other societal units. Objective in approach, it shows readers the importance of chronicling and analyzing the actions and reactions surrounding religion and society in our endeavor to understand how societies function and change. Key Topics: Emphasizes American religious institutions, but includes many examples of the interaction of religion and society in other cultures, both historic and contemporary. It also applies the perspective of church-sect theory to an analysis of recent cult groups, such as the Peoples Temple and the Branch Davidians. Highlights include a new chapter on the rise of religious fundamentalism in its Christian, Jewish, and Islamic forms; and analysis of current issues in religion and politics, i.e., Protestant and Catholic voting patterns, the abortion controversy, school prayer issues, and recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings.

About this edition

• Publisher: Prentice Hall
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0137723857
• ISBN 13: 9780137723850
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 340