Introduction to Sociology of Religion
There are different ways that human beings relate with one another. How human being relates to each other on a daily basis says a lot about them (Johnstone, 27). Scientists from the past have been trying to come up with the best terminologies in trying to explain these relations, but so far no terminology serves better than the word sociology. Sociology can be defined as the study of understanding human species. This is in understanding their origins, their different organizations, institutions and development methods (Johnstone, 2). In the past, there were different customs that were used to define peoples’ sociology interests, political ones, religion and many others. However, in the recent past, the human species has advanced in their sociology manners due to factors like globalization and multiculturalism (Johnstone, 7). Multiculturalism is a terminology used in referring to people of different cultural backgrounds, working together to achieve a certain goal. Globalization is a term used in expressing connectivity between people across the globe. This has more so been made possible by the use of the internet. The internet has provided the most efficient, cheapest and fastest means of communication (Johnstone, 45). People from all corners of the world can communicate with just a touch of the button, promoting sociology in all their aspects of life (Johnstone, 46). In this case study I will focus on sociology of religion.
Sociology of religion can be defined as study of different practices in term of religion and their beliefs (Johnstone, 5). However, this study has to be done in accordance with the instigated tools and methodologies used in sociology. There are many different methods if doing the sociology of religion study. However, as many as they are, they have been summarized into two main categories; qualitative methods and quantitive ones. Qualitative methods include; interviewing people, archives analysis, revisiting ancient or historical materials and through observation (Johnstone, 56). Quantities methods include; different census analytical methods, use of polls, demographic and survey methods.
Different researchers, not only in sociology have indulged themselves in this filed trying to find out more about religion sociology. Sociology in religion is an important aspect of life (Johnstone, 37). This is why so many people have continued to feel the urge of finding out how it affects he peoples’ lives on a daily basis. There are those who came up with different theories in explaining why religion in sociology is so important, and how it affects the people. According to Ronald, sociology in religion dictates a lot of on what people in certain religions do on a daily basis (Johnstone, 86). This is because there are some religions that condone different activities at different times of the year, or during their religious calendars. We will now look at research works done by sociological theorists in trying to find out the importance of religion in sociology
In our first theory, we will look at the work of Karl Max. Many people argue that in his theory, he was trying to develop a theory that would be useful in changing the upheaval of the prior capitalism to socialism. This is because in is work, he tries to portray the human species as a mind that is more subjective to reason other than in deep belief (Johnstone, 109). He argues that the human species believes in religion with a reason of expecting something in return, or for comfort. In saying his, he was referring to the scriptures that show how true wealth is measured by their spiritual deeds, and their faith, other than earthly riches. Marx therefore came up with a very common verse in which he was tries to portray religion as a soothing disguise, that enables people to overlook the sufferings of this earthly life while awaiting the heavenly one (Johnstone, 98). However, he never condoned religion, but tried to showcase why people believe that religion in sociology is so important in the people life (Johnstone, 119). To him, it offers them a comforting shoulder whenever they feel burdened or oppressed by those rich and in power.
There was another theory by Emile Durkheim. In his theory, he seems to lean more on a belief or perception that the religion in social life is more of scientific phenomenon, and something which is more or less, dispassionate (Johnstone, 98). This is portrayed in his theory that religion only exists in a person’s conscious mind. That is, he perceives religion as a way in which people get together in believes of certain supernatural faces. He says that all people in the world believe there are faces hat are stronger than them, but it all manifests itself in the conscious mind creating some reality we perceive to be true (Johnstone, 100). He believes that religious believes in sociology are determined by the society it manifests itself in. That is; he says that simpler societies have simpler religions that are easy to comprehend, while complex societies have complex religious beliefs. Durkheim proceeds to define religion as practices, and believes that people take to be forbidden, forming groupings of individuals of morals perceivers’. According to Durkheim, these individuals come together in groupings called churches to offer their petitions to the supernatural face, since they relate these believes to scary ,and unacceptable practices.
Other than Marx and Durkheim, there was Webber who came up with a different perspective. Webber believed that religion affects people’s life more positively than negatively. Therefore, he believes although people should try, and understands roots of religion, whether it does exit or not. He feels that people who believe in religion should be understood. That is in terms of where they are coming from; why they practice it, and how it affects their lives positively or negatively (Johnstone, 165). He continues to add that religion affects sociology more positively than negatively, lacking no reason as to why people who practice it should be condemned. Other than this, he tried to expound more on what he believes religion is. He believes that people relate to supernatural interventions in the need of understanding some misfortunes they face on a daily basis. He therefore argues that religion becomes a source of motivation, just like every other person pursues wealth and power on a daily basis (Johnstone, 167). Webber therefore gives religion credit as he believes it shapes a peoples’ future, changing their views on different issues.
Webber’s perception of Christianity leads me to the rational choice theory. This refers to the will, and the urge of an individual to want to do more good than bad in the society. That is in terms of social and economic aspects of life (Johnstone, 206). This theory can be defined differently, depending on who is looking at it, because it has different angles. There are those who would prefer to look at it as being in a sound or awaken mind to handle things more leniently in a good way (Johnstone, 207). All in all, the rational choice theory is an aspect that is common in all religious sound minds. This is because those in religion believe that there is eternity after death, which is only attained if one does good deeds in this life time.
In conclusion, religion plays a vital role in our social lives. This is so because it seeks to promote good deeds in the society, with eternity as the reward for good deeds done here on earth. It also promotes sociology as people get together to share ideas, and also comfort each other in this stressing life.
Work cited
Johnstone, Ronald L. Religion in Society: A Sociology of Religion. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2007. Print.
