The Sociology of Religion (BSA New Horizons in Sociology)

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 296 pages
• Published by: Sage Publications Ltd May 9, 2007
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0761948929
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0761948926
• Book Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Weighs: 15.5 ounces

Product Review
"Aside from her substantial theoretical contributions, Davie accomplishes four things, any one of which would be worth the price of the book.  First, she provides a clear, thorough review of theory and research in the sociology of religion, and argues successfully for its position as a central subdiscipline.  Second, she displays an impressive command of comparative literature in the field, using French, British, and other European sources in addition to those from North American; this makes her presentation both wide and deepThird, Davie underlines the importance of context, historical and geographical, for understanding how theory and case studies develop.  The latter are exceptionally well-chosen.  Finally, the author's endnotes and her extensive bibliography give great guidance to beginning and experienced readers alike." 

-CHOICE (C. Hendershott )

Product Description
"Aside from her substantial theoretical contributions, Davie accomplishes four things, any one of which would be worth the price of the book. First, she provides a clear, thorough review of theory and research in the sociology of religion, and argues successfully for its position as a central subdiscipline. Second, she displays an impressive command of comparative literature in the field, using French, British, and other European sources in addition to those from North American; this makes her presentation both wide and deepThird, Davie underlines the importance of context, historical and geographical, for understanding how theory and case studies develop. The latter are exceptionally well-chosen. Finally, the author's endnotes and her extensive bibliography give great guidance to beginning and experienced readers alike." 

                                                                          -C. Hendershott, New School University

Why is religion still important? Can we be fully modern and fully religious? This book, written by one of the leading figures in the field, works at two levels. First it sets out the agenda – covering the key questions in the sociology of religion today. At the same time, it interrogates this agenda – asking if the sociology of religion, as we currently know it, is ‘fit for purpose’. If not, what is to be done?

Key Features

• Describes the origins of the sociology of religion
• Demystifies secularization as a process and a theory
• Relates religion to modern social theory
• Unpacks the meaning of religion in relation to modernity and globalization
• Grasps the methodological challenges in the field
• Provides a comparative perspective for religions in the west
• Introduces questions of minorities and margins
• Sets out a critical agenda for debate and research

In a single volume Grace Davie captures the nature and forms of modern religion, the current debates in the field and the prospects for future development. (20071211)

Reader Reviews
This book is a large literature review covering what has been going on in the past few years in the field. She doesn't talk really at all about non-western religions as is often the case with this research area. She mentions Islam in passing. I think it is good enough to introduce the student to the field, but I don't think it is appropriate for undergraduates who don't have a background in social science. It should be read as a upper level student, and it should be read in a week. It should not last a whole term.