Ronald L. Johnstone provides critical insights concerning the concept of religion in his book. Generally, different personalities are capable of drawing diverse issues from this philosophical piece. Evidently, the author has applied distinct philosophical and ideological frameworks in the examination of religion.
Notable, the subject of religion requires an in-depth and focused analysis (Stanley 22). Sociological perceptions and factors attached to the concept of religion have significant impacts on the general society. Societies practice distinct religious undertakings in their everyday life.
Indicatively, several factors influence the high level of disparity in the religious practice and orientation within communities. For most scholars and philosophers, religion and societal dynamics are part of human nature. There are different elements of interaction and community integration that manipulate this relationship. These elements are unique within different settings.
Individuals also hold distinct perceptions and opinion on these dynamics. Therefore, it is appropriate to examine various scholarly articles and books dealing on society and religion. This paper presents a final reflection on what the writer perceives to be important as indicted by Johnston in his book. In specific terms, the book examines the most crucial concept or theory presented within the book on issues of religion and society.
The book investigates the concept of religion and its sociological implications within the society. It is crucial to note that the issue of religion is provided with a sociological meaning in this book. Interestingly, unlike most other books, there is recognition and discussion of religion as it appears within any typical society.
For me, I find this approach very noble and vital (Denison, Peter, James & William 32). This is because religion matters are not described in a vacuum. Therefore, the audience or any other reader has the capability to read, analyze and relate the issues highlighted in the book with those occurring in his or her society. Arguably, most personal opinions remain highly contestable or debatable.
Personally, I appreciate the most of the facts outlined in the book concerning religion. Even in the present modern societies, the concept, practice and adoption of religion has been determined by certain factors. The sociological construction distinct within specified communities plays significant roles in the issue of religion.
Observably, this pattern is usually prevalent within many societies. The trends are also observable in most global destinations. Even most western or developed nations have been affected by this sociological construction and role. The balanced approach applied by the book in the generation and sustenance of most propositions remains very significant. Ideally, all ideological, philosophical and academic propositions are important.
It is therefore imperative that these arguments must base their support on evidence and sound empirical knowledge (Roberts & David 56). This is the essence of effective writing on religious and sociological concerns. It is without any doubt that the book has actually applied all these considerations. It has generally established a solid base from which both constructive and negative critique can be developed or drawn.
The book has an evident application of critical thinking and transformative argumentative approaches. The logical framework enables easy usability and application of all the knowledge espoused. The critical thinking process increases the believability and general comprehension of the book and its propositions.
This is evident across all the populations that benefit from the book. The theoretical framework underlining the explanation of religion is critical. The author has applied this concept in an unbiased manner. The fact that religion is viewed as a potential social institution is very crucial. An in depth examination of the first chapters of the book indicates a potential application of empirical knowledge (Johnstone 67).
This has played a central role in the development of believability. The concept of religion is indicated to be an interdependent affair within the society. However, there is a persistent interaction of this concept with other important factors within the society. This is a crucial point for the explanation of the potential social dynamics within unique societies.
The book identifies other critical social components known as societal units. These units provide the fundamental basis for the development of an analytical approach for different situations within the society. Through application and understanding of these concepts, learners are able to adopt several analytical techniques. Indeed, these are necessary for the development of sound and transformative learning mechanisms.
The book and its major propositions can be applied in all situations to explain the changes emanating from human interactions and religious beliefs. This is a very important contribution of the book to the global knowledge arena (Johnstone 84). All readers and audiences are able to identify and define the basic roles of persons in the development of appropriate religious knowledge. This is regardless of the individual knowledge and perceptions on the issue of religion.
The book argues that despite of the prevalent conditions, the issues of religion face and confront almost all individuals within the different societies. Culture and sociological interactions have had significant influences on different aspects of human religion. It is evident that such critical influences can be identified within all cultural backgrounds and orientations. Many other factors and considerations indicated within the book might be regarded with the highest level of esteem.
Religion emanate from different sources. Generally, a historical analysis of different religions provides a variety of sources and courses of religion. The historical analysis of different religions might help the learner to note the various disparities in the concept of religion (Haar & Yoshio 77). It must be recognized that such disparities remain evident within all societies. The trend might be noted within the global perspective. There are many examples indicated in the book.
The author draws potential examples from different destinations of the globe. Ideally, this is appropriate for all people to link the indications to their situations. The identified feature also increases the universality and usability of the various concepts underlined by the author in the book. The book offers a potential ground for the explanation and understanding of the different community factors that have weighty influence and manipulations on the concept of religion.
In larger extents, some of these identified community factors explain the level of involvement and appreciation of religion within particular or identified communities (Furseth & P°al 78). Religion practiced within various societies has unique and varied origins. As indicated by the author of the book, this perhaps explains the reason for the notable disparities.
The theoretical approach of the book is dev eloped in such a manner that it enables the differentiation of these unique factors of religion. This is an very vital initiative that the book has utilized to streamline disparities. Apart from this, it helps to cater for and explain to the concerned parties or audiences the importance of different religious orientations. The comparison of both the contemporary and ancient religious practices is significant (Stanley 92).
This is because the process enables all the consumers, the audience and consumers of information to develop critical analytical tool for enhancement of potential religious knowledge. This is a potential concern, particularly, within the present globalized society. The book provides a transformative and critical analysis of the information. Such include the information regarding the present knowledge systems and belief structures within different communities.
Cultural influences have high level or magnitude manipulations in the development of different religious perceptions. This case might also remain true and evident for all typical societies within the present global arena (Johnstone 87).
The theory of rationalization of all human processes and perceptions is vital as outlined or described in the book. The human mind has had potential influences on religious issues within the society. This pattern has seemingly been evident for a considerably long period. However, most scholarly and investigative materials do not try to analyze these impacts.
The book applies renowned examples from the American society to illustrate potential culture and religious issues. The undertaking remains extremely appropriate because it helps the book and author to relate with the advanced world. Actually, it might be concluded that the effective application of this argument of helps to save the readers.
Particularly, this may concern the religious and sociological concerns that have emanated and gained significance or recognition in the 21 century (Blasi 89). The relationship within religion and politics is well described within this book. In addition, religious fundamentalism also emanates as one of the critical elements that have been identified in various areas. The book and author stresses on the sustainability and effective coordination of all religious programs.
The book views religion in form of a common output of a group phenomenon. The processes of a person developing into a religious individual are also elaborated in a comprehensive manner. Various matters related to society and sociology is considered in these vital discussions. This forms the fundamental springboard for proper analysis and comprehension of particular societies.
There has been a recent upsurge in the total number of sects in most societies (Furseth & P°al 92). Most of these sects have become powerful and domineering in the pretext of being a specific church. The book illustrates the various differences between sects and actual churches. Additionally, there is a great need to examine the reasons why sects might arise and dominate within identified geographical regions in the globe.
Since religion is tied to the main sociological issues within all environments, it would be necessary to provide a comprehensive analysis of these important societal issues. The issues concerning religious conflicts must be adequately addressed. The author of this book has provided an important problem solution strategy and guide for these conflicts. Just like in the case of other groups or organizations, religious groups sometimes face severe conflicts (Haar & Yoshio 104).
These might affect the general social welfare in a very detrimental manner. Adequate precaution is recommended. For instance, the concerned religious personalities must be engaged in a thorough capacity building session on conflict resolution and group management. Therefore, the book is one of the sources of capacity building agents in the areas concerning religious groups.
One of the basic reasons why the book remains important is because it highlights all issues that have potential impacts on the general religion. Indicatively, economic concerns and the idea of religion are widely analyzed in the first chapters of this great intellectual piece.
Religions are not just formed based on the need to worship and respect certain supernatural power (Johnstone 117). It is a sociological tool and means by which peace, harmony, unity and love might be attained within the overall society apart from the classification and discussion of religion according to the economy, there are other significant highlights within the book.
For example, the author introduces the effect of class differences or systems on religion. A wide array of examples is provided to explain the importance of this class disparity in the welfare of church. The Indian caste system is one of the examples in which religious practice is determined by the type or nature of social stratification.
Lastly, the book examines the interplay between religion and sexual or gender inclination within most societies (Blasi 110). Indeed, as a sociological issue, it is critical to observe that issues of gender dictate certain religious roles. The book also denotes the significance of racisms on religion. The role played by religion in the liberalization process of American black society is well recorded and articulated within this book.
Generally, the book has pinpointed all crucial sociological and integrative domains that might influence the development of religion. According to the author of this book, religion and man remains simply inseparable. This is the main justification for the rigorous study and social examination prevalent in the book.
Works Cited
Blasi, Anthony J. American Sociology of Religion: Histories. Leiden, The Netherlands: Brill, 2007. Print.
Denison, Barbara J, Peter Kvisto, James McClenon, and William H. Swatos. Encyclopedia of Religion and Society. Walnut Creek, Calif. [u.a.: AltaMira Press, 1998. Print.
Furseth, Inger, and P°al Repstad. An Introduction to the Sociology of Religion: Classical and Contemporary Perspectives. Aldershot [u.a.: Ashgate, 2007. Print.
Haar, Gerrie and Yoshio Tsuruoka. Religion and Society: An Agenda for the 21st Century. Leiden: Brill, 2007. Print.
Johnstone, Ronald L. Religion in Society: A Sociology of Religion. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Prentice Hall, 2001. Print.
Roberts, Keith A, and David Yamane. Religion in Sociological Perspective. L9os Angeles: SAGE/Pine Forge, 2012. Print.
Stanley, Jaya K. G. Religion and Society. New Delhi: MD Publications, 1996. Print.