Introduction to the Sociology of Religion
The sociology of religion entails the study of the organizational forms unique to various religions, the practices and beliefs that are peculiar to the followers of those religions. The methods and tools that are used in the studies are those used in the sociology discipline. Some of the methods employed in the investigation of objectives include quantitative methods where study tools like census analysis, surveys and polls are carried out. Qualitative approaches are also used to investigate the identified objectives. These approaches utilize the analysis of documentary, archival and historical documents.
Interviews are also carried out on the study groups to seek their views on certain aspects of the study. This, I believe gives the data collected an element of subjectivity as the individuals offer primary data that is reflective of their perceptions on various aspects of religion. As part of the sociology of religion, the researchers may involve themselves in participant observation. This is where they take active roles among the study groups in order to observe them in their religious settings. I believe this gives them first hand information that is free from individual bias. This leads to a more accurate reporting of the religious practices of a certain group of people.
I am of the opinion that the sociology of religion is unlike the philosophy of religion in that I perceive the former to mainly entail the assessment the legitimacy of religious beliefs. From the readings, I conclude that the sociology of religion is remarkably different from the discipline of theology. This is because, unlike theology, the sociology of religion is indifferent to the supernatural. Theorists in the field of sociology of religion consequently acknowledge the social cultural reifications that are core to religious practice.
The Importance of the Sociology of Religion
The study of religion both as a social institution and a belief system is of paramount importance. The perception of the world by individuals is shaped largely by their religious beliefs. To a large extent, religion also shapes the way different people think. For instance, a certain philanthropist in my neighborhood attributes her generosity to her religious beliefs. As a social institution, religion has been there over time and is characterized by organizational structures where the members of the different religions are socialized. I believe that, from a sociological perspective, the relationship between religious beliefs and other societal factors like education, race, gender and age is crucial.
The organization of the religious institutions and the effect they have on social change is also noteworthy. It is also important to know the influence that religion has on various social institutions. More precisely, it is essential to know the influence religion has on our political and educational systems. Through the sociology of religion, the above questions can be answered satisfactorily. It is for these reasons that I deem the subject of the sociology of religion particularly important.
The Rational Choice Theory
The theory of rational choice is an approach that has been in the study of religion over time. The theorists posit that religions are systems of compensators. They also view the believers as rational actors who calculate costs and benefits thereby choosing where their material and emotional needs are met. The theory perceives religion as a system that relies on the supernatural in order to compensate its believers for failure to achieve certain goals or for frustrated goals. According to the theorist, the choices made by the individuals are controlled by the compensation.
The theory posits that the rationale behind the choices made by the rational actors is the satisfaction of their wants. I do not entirely agree with the suppositions of the theory. The evidence that trends have it that most social and political outfits that do not achieve their goals naturally turn into religions in order to tap onto the supernatural as compensation is eye opening. However, I believe that the religious choices we make are at times inspired by the need for self actualization as well as the need to believe is something more powerful.
In my opinion, the theory has some inherent truths. It is my experience that people often attribute what they cannot fathom to the supernatural in an attempt to gain closure on a matter. For instance, the death of a loved one is taken as the will of a deity even though scientific evidence availed through post mortems suggests otherwise. This could be an attempt to compensate for the departed. Nevertheless, I am not fully convinced by the rational choice theory.
In conclusion, perhaps the continued study of the religions using sociological methods and tools, the sociology of religion, will shed more light on pertinent and controversial issues thereby helping me fathom things at a higher level of understanding.
