Religion, Culture & Society
A Global Approach
- Andrew Singleton - Deakin University, Australia
- Gary Bouma AM, Monash University
"Tells how sociology of religion originated in the work of key nineteenth and twentieth century theorists and then brings the story into the present era of globalization, hybrid spirituality, and the Internet. Students of religion will find this an engaging and informative survey of the field."
- Robert Wuthnow, Princeton University
"It considers the ‘big questions’ - What is religion? How is religion changing in a modern world? What is the future of religion? – and addresses them through tangible case studies and observations of contemporary life. Its global perspective reflects the breadth, diversity and vibrancy of this field."
- Sylvia Collins-Mayo, Kingston University
This is a rich and dynamic introduction to the varieties of religious life and the central issues in the sociology of religion today. It leads the reader through the key ideas and main debates within the field as well as offering in-depth descriptions and analysis of topics such as secularization, fundamentalism, Pentecostal Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, atheism, ‘The spiritual marketplace’, digital religion and new religions like Wicca.
Emphasising religion as a global phenomenon, examining especially the ways in which globalization has had an impact on everyday religious life, Singleton has created an illuminating text suitable for students in a wide range of courses looking at religion as a social and cultural phenomenon.
A very nice introduction to the sociology of religion for undergraduate students and non-academic readers...Theoretically informed, substantively rich, and easy reading, I recommend Singleton’s book as a valuable orientation to the sociological study of religion.
The reader is taken on a global exploration of the forms and diversities of religions and their social and cultural contexts... It is up to the minute in research and theory, and comfortably grounded in the traditions of the social explanation of things religious and spiritual.
Tells how sociology of religion originated in the work of key nineteenth and twentieth century theorists and then brings the story into the present era of globalization, hybrid spirituality, and the Internet. Students of religion will find this an engaging and informative survey of the field.
It considers the ‘big questions’ - What is religion? How is religion changing in a modern world? What is the future of religion? – and addresses them through tangible case studies and observations of contemporary life. Its global perspective reflects the breadth, diversity and vibrancy of this field.
An interesting and comprehensive guide to Religion, Culture and Society, this is a useful book for those studying Religious Education. There are helpful points to ponder, next steps and further explorations at the end of each chapter, allowing the reader the opportunity to extend their knowledge of a specific area.
With a useful introduction to the empirical study of religion this will also benefit students undertaking research within the field of Religious Education. It shares examples of research from across the globe, and I would recommend this as a key text for students interested in religion and global perspectives.
This is an excellent text book. It deals confidently and sensitively with the essentials of the sociology of religion for undergraduate students. In particular, the emphasis on the requirement for a global perspective on religious life and spirituality is to be commended.
This is a comprehensive introduction to the subject of the Sociology of Religion and of relevance to those studying relevant topics at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The inclusion of contemporary suggestions with regard to the study and research of Religion would be extremely useful to students.
A useful text but might be too broad in scope without accompanying detail
An indispensable global guide to the overlay between religion, culture and society. This book asks the big questions about religions and their futures in a global context.
A valuable and enrichening source for the Culture, Society and Health course, will be used/recommended in our next course in November-December 2014
Sage College Publishing
