Hidden Threads: A Christian Critique of Sociological Theory

by Russell Heddendorf, Matthew Vos

Overview

Hidden Threads: A Christian Critique of Sociological Theory, provides a framework for making sense of the social world. Heddendorf finds in sociological theories some "hidden threads" - Christian principles woven into the fabric of society. Early Christian thought was radical in its approach to social life. Jesus provided a different concept of the person, and encouraged his followers to act upon this new understanding. Thus, in the early centuries after Christ, Christian social thought was a dynamic, positive, social force, but today the situation differs. Many Christians readily accept current interpretations of problems as valid. Consequently, in response to these modern explanations, Christians develop a form of secularized thought which supports popular solutions and fails to critically engage with the real issues of the day. Hidden Threads is an examination and Christian critique of sociological theory, demonstrating appreciation for the richness of social life and holding in tension those theories that attempt to explain it.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761849018
Publisher:	University Press of America
Publication date:	12/08/2009
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Russell Heddendorf served as a professor of sociology at Geneva College in Pennsylvania and Covenant College in Georgia. He has published numerous articles in various periodicals and journals, and authored the book From Faith to Fun: The Secularization of Humor. Heddendorf held a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Pittsburgh and a M.A. in sociology from Columbia University. He served as president of the American Scientific Affiliation and founded the Association of Christians Teaching Sociology. Heddendorf died in 2008.
Matthew Vos is associate professor of sociology at Covenant College, Georgia. He holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and a M.Ed. from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He has published on race, ethnicity, and sociological issues in higher education. He is active in the Association of Christians Teaching Sociology, and serves as adjunct professor at the Oxford Graduate School in Tennessee.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Preface
Chapter 2 Foreword
Chapter 3 Acknowledgments
Chapter 4 Chapter 1: Hidden Threads
Chapter 5 Chapter 2: The Nature of Theory
Chapter 6 Chapter 3: The European Heritage
Chapter 7 Chapter 4: The American Tradition
Chapter 8 Chapter 5: Functionalism
Chapter 9 Chapter 6: Conflict Theory
Chapter 10 Chapter 7: Social Action Theory
Chapter 11 Chapter 8: Exchange Theory
Chapter 12 Chapter 9: Symbolic Interactionism
Chapter 13 Chapter 10: Phenomenology and Ethnomethodology
Chapter 14 Chapter 11: The Sociology of Knowledge
Chapter 15 Chapter 12: Postmodern Theories: Calling Meaning into Question
Chapter 16 Chapter 13: Conclusion
Chapter 17 Notes
Chapter 18 Index

Editorial Reviews

Neither an apologetic for Christianity nor an attack upon it. Its main focus is the contributions Christianity and social thought make to each other…clarify[ing] the virtues and shortcomings of both…An outstanding contribution to both sociology and Christianity. It will enrich social theory, generate significant research, encourage meditative reflection, enliven the interactions of Christians with sociologists, and stimulate the mind of every reader.

David O. Moberg

An excellent addition to the Christian classroom…These critiques offer unique opportunities for students to critically examine the different theories from a biblical viewpoint.

Susan Warner

Neither an apologetic for Christianity nor an attack upon it. Its main focus is the contributions Christianity and social thought make to each other...clarify[ing] the virtues and shortcomings of both...An outstanding contribution to both sociology and Christianity. It will enrich social theory, generate significant research, encourage meditative reflection, enliven the interactions of Christians with sociologists, and stimulate the mind of every reader.--David O. Moberg, emeritus professor of sociology, Marquette University

An excellent addition to the Christian classroom...These critiques offer unique opportunities for students to critically examine the different theories from a biblical viewpoint.--Susan Warner, associate professor of sociology, Cedarville University

From the Publisher