Sociology of Religion Theoretical and Comparative Perspectives

Why are people religious? What is the fate of religion in the modern world? This expanded second edition of The Sociology of Religion provides a clear and comprehensive discussion of theoretical perspectives in relation to a wide range of substantive issues illustrating the diversity of religion. Offering a broad comparative view, Malcolm Hamilton draws on the insights of history, anthropology and sociology, surveying classic and contemporary theory to give a full picture of their variety and scope and how they relate to particular beliefs and practices. Inclusion of current debates and research findings bring this edition fully up to date in every respect. The chapters on secularisation and religious sects and movements have, in particular, been extended to incorporate recent work and developments. Both include fuller consideration of the contributions of rational choice theorists and their critics on questions such as the relationship between religious pluralism and conditions prevailing in theHamilton, Malcolm is the author of 'Sociology of Religion Theoretical and Comparative Perspectives', published 2001 under ISBN 9780415226677 and ISBN 0415226678.