The Social Scientific Study of Religion: A Method for Constructive Theology

Paul S. Chung's study charts the history of social scientific study of religion, providing a foundation for a new model of constructive theology in the comparative study of religion, culture, and society. It analyzes the thought of Max Weber, Alfred Schutz, Pierre Bourdieu, Michel Foucault, Edmund Husserl, and Max Horkheimer, resulting in a synthesis that is innovative, critical, and applicable to current methodology in theology and the social sciences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: James Clarke & Co Ltd

In this comprehensive study, Paul S. Chung delves into the rich history of social scientific inquiry into religion, spanning from the axial age to the present day. By tracing the evolution of this field, Chung establishes a solid foundation for a novel model of constructive theology, which emphasizes the comparative study of religion, culture, and society. Through meticulous analysis of the ideas of prominent thinkers such as Max Weber, Alfred Schutz, Pierre Bourdieu, Michel Foucault, Edmund Husserl, Max Horkheimer, and others, Chung skillfully addresses a range of pressing issues, including material interests, power dynamics, and the historical narratives of race, gender, and sexuality. The outcome of this scholarly endeavor is a groundbreaking synthesis that combines innovation, critical thinking, and practical relevance to contemporary methodologies in theology and the social sciences.

Chung's study begins by examining the historical context in which social scientific study of religion emerged. He highlights the pivotal role played by the Enlightenment period, which marked a shift towards secularization and rationalization of religious beliefs and practices. This shift, coupled with the rise of capitalism and the expansion of global trade, facilitated the emergence of a more scientific approach to studying religion, which sought to understand its social, cultural, and economic implications.

One of the key themes that Chung explores is the influence of Max Weber's theory of religion. Weber, a German sociologist, argued that religion was not merely a matter of personal belief or subjective experience but rather a social phenomenon that emerged from the interaction between individuals and social structures. Chung delves into Weber's concept of "religion as a system," which emphasizes the importance of social institutions, such as churches, temples, and mosques, in shaping religious beliefs and practices. He also examines Weber's theory of the "iron cage of bureaucracy," which suggests that modern societies are characterized by a complex web of rules and regulations that limit individual freedom and autonomy.

Chung further explores the work of Alfred Schutz, a Swiss sociologist who is widely regarded as one of the most influential theorists of the 20th century. Schutz's theory of phenomenology focuses on the subjective experience of individuals and their interactions with the social world. Chung examines Schutz's concept of "the social fact," which refers to the objective reality that is experienced by individuals as a result of their social interactions. He also explores Schutz's theory of "the lifeworld," which refers to the immediate environment in which individuals live and interact with others.

Chung also examines the work of Pierre Bourdieu, a French sociologist who is known for his theory of cultural capital. Bourdieu argued that social positions, such as education, wealth, and social status, are determined by cultural capital, which is acquired through education, socialization, and cultural practices. Chung explores Bourdieu's concept of "habitus," which refers to the embodied practices and dispositions that individuals acquire through their socialization. He also examines Bourdieu's theory of "field," which refers to the social structures and institutions that shape individuals' experiences and opportunities.

In addition to these theoretical frameworks, Chung also analyzes the work of Michel Foucault, a French philosopher who is known for his theory of power. Foucault argued that power is not merely a physical force or a hierarchical relationship but rather a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that is embedded in social structures and institutions. Chung examines Foucault's concept of "discipline," which refers to the practices and techniques that are used to regulate and control individuals and groups. He also explores Foucault's theory of "governmentality," which suggests that modern societies.

Weight: 404g
Dimension: 156 x 232 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780227177655