sociology of religion

Religion and Society in the United States: Church, State, and Culture

by
Forms of Social Control

Introduction Religion has played a foundational role in shaping American society, influencing its values, institutions, political structures, and cultural practices. From the early Puritan settlements to contemporary debates over secularism, religious freedom, and pluralism, religion continues to occupy a central—though contested—place in the United States. Unlike many other modern societies, the U.S. remains highly religious … Read more

Sociology of Religion: Faith in a Secular World

by
Forms of Social Control

Introduction on Sociology of Religion Religion has always been one of the most significant institutions in human civilization, shaping moral codes, cultural values, and collective identities. Yet, in the contemporary era marked by rationalization, globalization, and secularization, religion faces new challenges and transformations. The sociology of religion studies this dynamic relationship between faith and society … Read more

Confucianism and Society in East Asia: A Sociological Perspective

by
Confucianism and Society in East Asia: A Sociological Perspective

Introduction Confucianism, one of the most influential philosophical and ethical systems in the world, has profoundly shaped the social structures, cultural norms, and moral frameworks of East Asian societies for over two millennia. Originating from the teachings of Confucius (Kong Fuzi, 551–479 BCE) in ancient China, Confucianism transcended its philosophical roots to become a sociocultural … Read more

Weber’s Protestant Ethic: Does Capitalism Still Need Religion?

by

Introduction on Weber’s Protestant Ethic Max Weber, one of the founding figures of sociology, profoundly shaped our understanding of the relationship between culture, economy, and religion. In his classic work “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism” (1905), Weber explored how religious values—specifically those derived from Protestantism—played a critical role in shaping the moral … Read more

Religion in Public Sphere – Official Religion, Civil Religion, and Religious Nationalism in Sociological Aspect

by
Sociology of Religion: Faith in a Secular World

Religion has always been more than a matter of private belief; it often shapes collective life, moral boundaries, and national identity. From the rise of ancient empires to the modern nation-state and plays an active role in the Religion in Public Sphere—a domain where citizens deliberate, express values, and negotiate the norms that govern society. … Read more

Religious Conversion in Sociological Aspect

by
Forms of Social Control

Introduction Religious conversion is one of the most fascinating and contested phenomena within the study of religion and society. It refers to the process of changing one’s religious affiliation, belief system, or spiritual orientation from one tradition to another. Sociologically, it is not merely a personal or spiritual experience but also a social act, shaped … Read more

Religious Movements in Sociological Aspect

by
Theories of Social Movement: A Sociological Perspective

Religion has always played a central role in shaping human societies, cultures, and worldviews. Beyond individual faith, it operates as a collective phenomenon that influences identity, morality, and social organization. Within sociology, religion is often examined not only as a belief system but also as a social institution that produces collective action, cohesion, and sometimes … Read more

R N Bellah on Contemporary Approaches to the Study of Religion: A Sociological Perspective

by
R N Bellah on Contemporary Approaches to the Study of Religion: A Sociological Perspective

Introduction on R N Bellah on Contemporary Approaches Religion, as a deeply rooted social phenomenon, has long occupied a central place in sociology. Robert Neelly Bellah (1927–2013), one of the leading intellectuals who transformed the study of religion in the modern era, is notable for his complex, historically informed, and multidisciplinary methodology. Bellah’s contributions stretch … Read more

Clifford Geertz on Contemporary Approaches to the Study of Religion: A Sociological Analysis

by
Clifford Geertz on Contemporary Approaches to the Study of Religion: A Sociological Analysis

Introduction on Clifford Geertz on Contemporary Approaches Religion has been one of the most significant and complex domains of sociological inquiry. From the classical works of Karl Marx, Émile Durkheim, and Max Weber, religion has been examined through lenses of ideology, social solidarity, and meaning-making. However, in the second half of the 20th century, a … Read more

Functional Approach to the Study of Religion in Sociological Aspect

by
Secularization and Secularism in European Experience: A Sociological Perspective

Introduction Religion has long been central to sociology, not as a matter of divine truth but as a social institution that influences human behavior, relationships, and culture. The functional approach to the study of religion examines religion in terms of the roles it performs for individuals and society rather than its theological content. This approach … Read more