Sociology of Religion: A Critical Primer

by Walter A. Jensen PhD

Overview

Written with the aim of increasing public interest in the study of religion, this primer makes available, to both the student and layman alike, a substantial amount of practical information about the modern non-theological study of religion. Focusing on three key areas of interest -- (1) the difficulties in defining religion, (2) the secularization / desecularization debate, and (3) an overview of Prof. Rudolf J. Siebert's (b.1927) critical theory of religion -- the reader will easily gain a broad, but thorough, overview of the sociology of religion.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780970491923
Publisher:	Printmill - Kalamazoo, MI
Publication date:	08/24/2015
Pages:	116
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Under the mentorship of Prof. Rudolf J. Siebert (b. 1927), Dr. Jensen earned his Masters in Comparative Religion and, in 2015, his doctorate in Sociology from Western Michigan University. His masters degree gave him a working knowledge of Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam. His doctorate allowed him to specialize in sociological theory, the sociology of religion, the critical theory of the Frankfurt School, and, in particular, the works of Erich Fromm (1900-1980).

Editorial Reviews

"Sociology of religion: A critical primer is an excellent overview and succinct discussion of the definitions of religion and the theories of all the major players in the sociology of religion: Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Berger, Luckmann, Stark, and Davie. Dr. Jensen also illuminates and critically analyzes the secularization / desecularization debate. Finally, he presents a clear and accessible overview of Dr. Rudolf Siebert’s critical theory of religion. This is a gem that I wish existed when I was beginning my studies in the sociology of religion."

Michelle D. Fether-Samtouni, M.A.
Professor of Sociology
Oakland Community College

"Dr. Jensen's first book is a brilliant introduction to the critical sociology of religion. The Sociology of religion: A critical primer is written with great clarity and presents the latest research in the study of religion. With this book students and scholars will gain an excellent sociological understanding of religion."

Rudolf J. Siebert, Ph.D.
Professor of Religion and Society
Western Michigan University

From the Publisher