American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us was written by Robert Putman and David Campbell. It gives more information about the aspects of religion in America. In this book, the authors give a wide coverage on the different aspects of religion in the past and contemporary American society. They use appropriate sociological methods in the collection, analysis and presentation of data. First and foremost, they give factual information which is based on their own research and that of the other scholars. A part from relying on their own surveys, they use secondary sources from Gallup, the Pew Religious Landscape Survey, and the General Social Survey. This is a clear demonstration that they applied the use of survey which is a very important source of information in sociology’ (Freshwater and Drury, 2002). It can therefore be relied upon because it provides honest and accurate information. As reputable scholars, Putnam and Campbell can be trusted as valid authorities who can properly gather information for the sake of enlightening the audience on religious matters.
Besides, Putman and Campbell explore the use of historical analysis while carrying out their research. In fact, American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us has been credited as being among the few books which cover a long period of time in history. This is due to the fact that it covers a total of 50 years in its analysis. The authors did a very substantial research in order to collect adequate information to help them in addressing different things about religion. It was a good idea because it necessary for the readers not only to understand the current position of religion in the society. Rather, the inclusion of the historical aspects of religion plays a significant role in helping the readers to comprehend how ‘important religion has been in the life of Americans’ (Sydney, 2004, 95). Indeed, this is a very good approach because, without it, the readers will have a shallow knowledge about religion. If the past is ignored, it may be challenging to understand the present and future. After all, the present state of religion is a product of the past experiences.
In addition, the authors use modern quantitative and qualitative methods to present their data. They use black and white graphs, correlations and trend lines in presenting their ideas. As a product of an extensive research, American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites incorporates the use of these methods in the analysis of religion. At first, it is evidenced when the authors seek to classify religious beliefs into different categories. As a multi-denominational religion, the authors understand that different Americans subscribe to different denominations. Thus, they categorize them into the Catholics, Protestants, Pentecostals and the not religious. In this classification, the ‘none’ are the people who are always reluctant to state their denomination and always resort to the ‘none’ category. However, despite this label, the authors go ahead to categorically state that this does not mean that they are totally non-religious, but also believe in God to some extent. Meaning, religion still plays a role in their lives. The use of graphical representations in the classification of the religiosity of Americans made this work to be presentable and suitable for the readers. It is one of the recommended ways of presenting research work for an effective understanding of the readers to whom it is targeted.
Moreover, the authors decided to do away with any bias in their research. As Ronald (2006) says, ‘religious matters are quite contentious’ (p152). Whenever people carry out research, they often cling to their religious backgrounds which greatly influence their end product. When it comes to religion, the researchers do alter their results to suit their affiliations. However, this was overcome by these scholars because they put aside their preconceived judgments. Hence, they did not indicate any form of religious reductionism. Meaning, they did not uplift their denomination and belittled others. This is a sign of tolerance which greatly features in their book. Had it not been for this attitude, they would have given a misleading set of information to the readers. This is a proof that they were ready to serve everyone with accurate set of data without minding to know the effects it would have on their respective denominations. In this regard, this paper concurs that sociological researchers should not introduce their preconceived ideas in their researchers. It can make them inaccurate and invalid for consumption. Meanwhile, they can not help in enlightening people and resolving any problem in the society.
The methods applied by these authors can only be compared to that of Johnstone Ronald. In Religion in Society: A Sociology of Religion Ronald uses his sociological and literary skills to present unbiased data. He uses a balanced approach to sensitize the society on the relationship between religion and society. he says that religion is a significant agent of socialization because it helps in promoting morality and unity amongst the people. Despite disuniting the society, Ronald acknowledges that it indeed unties. Eck, (2006) says, people should only learn to ‘accept and tolerate one another regardless of their religious faith, denomination or sect’ (p 66). his objective approach is similar to that used by Putman and Campbell in Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us. In both cases, the authors give insightful and sound analyses on the matters of religious importance. Just like Ronald, Putman and Campbell analyzes the chronology of the development of development of Christianity in America. As a social institution, religion is in a constant interaction with the other units of socialization. Meaning, the authors explain that it is a very dynamic institution which should be well understood. As Putman and Campbell report, it does not only concern individuals, but also seeks to determine the interests of diverse groups such as race, ethnicity, gender and age.
In conclusion, it is important to acknowledge that religion is a very important institution in the society. as an agent of socialization, it has played a significant role in uniting different sectors of the society. As Putman and Campbell examine, everyone should seek to know much about the historical development and current position and contributions of religion in the contemporary society. On his part, Ronald emphasizes that it should be used as a unifying factor. Evidently, American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us and Religion in Society: A Sociology of Religion are so insightful and educative texts. They give a candid set of information which can be relied upon by anyone who is interested in understanding much about the diversities of American religion. They both use standard sociological methods in their research, analysis and presentation. Thus, they are invaluable resources in the study of the history and sociology of religion.
Works Cited
Eck, Diana. A New Religious America: the World's Most Religiously Diverse Nation. Harper One, 2006. Print.
Freshwater, D. & Drury, V. International research collaboration. Issues, benefits and challenges of the global network. Journal of Research in Nursing, 11 (4), (2002), pp 9295–303.
Ronald, Johnstone. Religion in Society: A Sociology of Religion (8th Edition). Pearson Publishers, 2006. Print.
Sydney Ahlstrom, A Religious History of the American People. Yale University Press, 2004.print.
