Exploring the Scope of Sociology of Religion and its Influence

This report delves into the multifaceted scope of sociology of religion, exploring its influence on various aspects of society. It examines how religion functions within the context of social phenomena, highlighting the interplay between religious beliefs, practices, and institutions. The report analyzes the impact of religious organizations, the role of religion in social change, and the study of religiosity. It also discusses the influence of social factors like race, age, gender, and education on religion, and vice versa. Furthermore, the report addresses the impact of religion on social, economic, and political institutions, emphasizing the diversity of religious traditions and their cultural influences. The assignment provides a comprehensive overview of the subject, covering the key areas of study within the sociology of religion.

Scope of Sociology of Religion
The scope of sociology of religion is vast. It not only studies religious aspects but also studies
the connection between religion and different aspects of society. The sociology of religion also
seeks to understand humanly constructed aspects of religion in their social context. In contrast
to other viable approaches to studying religion, the sociology of religion searches for patterns
and processes underlying the interdependence of religion and society. To do so, it further relies
on models, theories, observation, and analysis. The scope of sociology of religion provides
answers to complex relations of religion with the society which are given below:
1. Religion as a social phenomenon
While religion has a private dimension, people experience religion in groups. All the world's
great religions have been created, and are sustained by large bureaucratic institutions.
People profess to believe certain truths that are passed down by religious traditions. What
people profess to believe often has consequences for their behavior.
2. Investigation of religious phenomenon
All of these features of religion are amenable to investigation with the research methods of
the sociology. Sociologists bring different emphases to the study of religion. They study
religion with a commitment to objectivity and a preference for empirical data.
3. Study of various religious aspects
The sociology of religion focuses on areas such as conversion, cults/new religious
movements, religious marketing, personal religiosity, religious conflict, religious
movements, rituals, syncretism (the combining of beliefs and practices from different
traditions), organizational structure, ethnic and national expressions of religion.

4. Relation of religion with other social factors
Sociology of religion studies the influence of various social factors on religion and vice
versa. It studies how religion can affect social factors such as race, age, gender and
education and how these social factors in turn affect religion.
5. Religious Organizations
Sociology of religion studies the role of religious organization in shaping both individual
and collective consciousness. Religious organization are places of gathering of people with
a collective conscience. It studies how religion is a key factor in shaping this collective
conscience.
6. Religious influence on social institutions
It shows how religion plays an influential role in social, economic and political institutions
which have a varying consequence on society.
7. Role of religion in social change
Throughout history there has been various instances of social change due to religion.
Religion is an individual as well as a collective agent in bringing about social change. The
Holy Crusade War, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Nigerian War etc. are examples of how
history has been determined by these religious events.
8. Religiosity
Sociologists also study religiosity of individuals, groups, and societies. Religiosity is the
intensity and consistency of practice of a person’s (or group’s) faith. Sociologists measure
religiosity by asking people about their religious beliefs, their membership in religious
organizations, and attendance at religious services.

Other scope of sociology of religion are
9. Awareness of the enormous diversity of religious traditions
10. The tremendous impact of culture on religion