Social Theory and ReligionMany aspects of religion are puzzling these days. This book looks at ways of improving our understanding of religious change by strengthening the links between social theory and the social scientific study of religion. It clarifies the social processes involved in constructing religion and non-religion in public and private life. Taking illustrations of the importance of these boundaries from studies of secularisation, religious diversity, globalisation, religious movements and self-identity, James A. Beckford reviews the current state of social scientific knowledge about religion. |
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Contents
Religion a social constructionist approach | 11 |
Secularisation | 30 |
The vagaries of religious pluralism | 73 |
Globalisation and religion | 103 |
Social theory and religious movements | 150 |
Constructing religion self and society | 193 |
Notes | 216 |
221 | |
247 | |
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acceptance according activities analysis appear approach argue argument aspects associated assumptions attempts become beliefs boundaries century challenge Chapter choice Christian Church claims collective communities concept concern construction context continuing countries critical cultural debates decline developments distinctive effect empirical evidence example experiences explain expressions fact faith findings follow forces forms freedom fundamentalism global globalisation groups human ideas identity important individuals influence institutions interest issues less meaning modern notions organisations particular perspective phenomena pluralism political position possibility practices Press processes questions rational rational choice theory reasons regard relations relatively religious beliefs religious movements religious organisations represent responses sacred scientists secular secularisation sense significance social and cultural social scientific social theory society sociology sphere spirituality study of religion tend theoretical theorists thinking tion tradition understanding University values variety wide