The Sociology of Religion: Theoretical And Comparative Perspectives

A clear and comprehensive introduction to the sociology of religion, this book combines a discussion of the main theorists with a wide range of comparative material illustrtaing the diversity of religious beliefs and practices. Malxolm Hamilton takes a broad comparative view, drawimg on the insights of history and anthropology as well as sociology, and surveys the range of classic and contemporary theory to give a full picture of the variety and scope of theoretical perspectives. Each chapter on a theoretical topic is followed by a chapter on particular beliefs and practices, showing how theories relate to and illuminate specific areas of religion in both primitive societies and inworld religions such as Buddhism and Christianity.' Malcolm Hamilton is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Reading.