The Sociology of Religion: Theoretical and Comparative Perspectives

ISBN-13: 9780415226660 / Angielski / Twarda / 2001 / 318 str.

Malcolm Hamilton; M. Hamilton;Hamilton Malcol

Opis

This expanded second edition provides a clear and comprehensive discussion of theoretical perspectives in relation to a wide range of substantive issues illustrating the diversity of religious beliefs and practices. Offering a broad comparative view, Malcolm Hamilton draws on the insights of history, anthropology and sociology, surveying classic and contemporary theory to give a full picture of the variety and scope of theoretical perspectives. Theoretical issues are related to particular beliefs and practices, showing how abstract concepts affect and illuminate specific areas of religion. The second expanded edition brings the discussion fully up to date with current debates and research findings. Both include consideration of the recent contribution of rational choice theorists and their critics on questions such as the relationship between religious pluralism and conditions prevailing in the religious market place. The chapter on sects and movements, which includes a new section on conversion, provides an extended discussion of earlier work on the nature of sectarianism as well as new insights that studies of a diverse range of religious and related movements have generated.

Spis treści

Preface to the second edition, 1. Introduction, 2. Religion and reason, 3. Magic, 4. Religion and emotion, 5. Buddhism, 6. Religion and ideology: Karl Marx, 7. The coming of the millennium, 8. Religion and solidarity: Emile Durkheim, 9. The birth of the gods, 10. Religion and solidarity: the functionalists, 11. Taboos and rituals, 12. Religion and rationality: Max Weber, 13. The Protestant ethic debate, 14. Religion and meaning, 15. Secularisation, 16. Religion and rational choice, 17. Sects, cults and movements, 18. Conclusion, Notes, Bibliography, Index

O autorze

Malcolm Hamilton is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sociology at the University of Reading. Other publications include Sociology and the World's Religions, Democratic Socialism in Britain and Sweden and Class and Inequality in Comparative Perspective.