Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 Religious Universes and Spiritual Lives Key Terms Objectives What is Sociology? Types of Sociological Analysis Levels of Analysis What does Religion Do? Abrahamic Religions Islam Buddhism and Hinduism Denominations Religious “Nones” Discussion Questions
CHAPTER 2 Becoming Religious: Navigating Beliefs, Negotiating Expressions Key Terms Objectives Religiosity Social Construction Is Religion in Decline? Religious Socialization The Religious Economy Church and Sects Discussion Questions
CHAPTER 3 Religion and Economics and the Worlds between Them Key Terms Objectives Social Stratification Rationalization Weber’s Thesis Consumerism and “Liquid Religion” Liquid Religion and Commitment Discussion Questions
CHAPTER 4 Religion and Equality for All: African American Activism Key Terms Objectives Introduction Agency and Structure Racial Equality After Slavery Institutionalized Racism The 1950s and Beyond Black Power The Social Gospel Discussion Questions
CHAPTER 5 The Religious Right Key Terms Objectives Introduction Christian Evangelicalism and Christian Fundamentalism: Some Basics Historical Background on Fundamentalism Millenarianism Fundamentalism in the 20th Century Fundamentalism as it is Lived Today The Rise of Televangelism TV Becomes Political Neoliberalism Discussion Questions
CHAPTER 6 Sexed and Sexual Souls Key terms Objectives Women in the World Religion and Women Gender and Sex Religion and Gender Separate Spheres Women at the Forefront Masculinity Sexual Expression What Is Normal? LGBTQ Complexity Discussion Questions
CHAPTER 7 The End of Religion As We Know It, or Just a New Beginning? Key Terms Objectives Introduction Society Divinized Civil Religion Privatization of Religion Therapeutic Religions What Are We Celebrating Now? Discussion Questions
CHAPTER 8 From Chapels to Arenas Key Terms Objectives Introduction The Theory of McDonaldization Megachurches Seekers The “Business” of the Megachurch Another Perspective The Key Difference Discussion Questions
CHAPTER 9 Past Religion but Post-Secular Key Terms Objectives The Radical Lack Postmodern Religion Postmodernity Heaven’s Gate Edge Religions Conclusion Discussion Questions
CHAPTER 10 Trends in Religious Affiliation Key Terms Objectives Introduction Where Are We Now? How Did We Get Here? So, Where Are We Going? Stepping Boldly Into the Future Discussion Questions
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
