This clear introduction to the sociology of religion combines a discussion of key theorists with a modern emphasis on the diversity of religious beliefs and practices. Malcolm Hamilton's expanded second edition brings the discussion fully up-to-date, and extends its material on secularization and religious sects, giving a broad comparative view. Drawing on the insights of history, anthropology and sociology, he surveys classic and contemporary theory to give a full picture of the variety and scope of theoretical perspectives.
Author(s): Malcolm Hamilton
Edition: 2
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2001
Language: English
Pages: 308
Book Cover......Page 1
Title......Page 4
Contents......Page 5
preface to the second edition......Page 8
Introduction......Page 12
Religion and reason......Page 36
Magic......Page 48
Religion and emotion......Page 66
Buddhism......Page 93
Religion and ideology: Karl Marx......Page 102
The coming of the millennium......Page 109
Religion and solidarity: Emile Durkheim......Page 120
The birth of the gods......Page 133
Religion and solidarity: the functionalists......Page 141
Taboos and rituals......Page 151
Religion and rationality: Max Weber......Page 176
Religion and meaning......Page 188
Secularisation......Page 196
Religion and rational choice......Page 226
Sects, cults and movements......Page 240
Conclusion......Page 283
Notes......Page 287
Bibliography......Page 294
Index......Page 314
