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 analyses 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: Hardback
Publication date: 30 June 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 wide range of topics, 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 era, which marked a shift from traditional religious beliefs to a more rational and empirical approach to understanding the world. This shift paved the way for the emergence of sociology, psychology, and other disciplines that sought to study religion from a secular perspective.

One of the key themes that Chung explores is the influence of capitalism on the study of religion. He argues that the rise of capitalism has led to the commodification of religion, which has resulted in its commercialization and secularization. This has had a profound impact on the way in which religion is understood and studied by social scientists, as they are increasingly influenced by market-driven forces and economic considerations.

Chung also examines the role of power in the study of religion. He argues that power relations play a crucial role in shaping religious beliefs, practices, and institutions. He explores how power is exercised and contested within religious communities, as well as how it is mediated by social structures such as race, gender, and class. Chung's analysis provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of power and its impact on religious practices and beliefs.

Another important aspect of Chung's study is the history of race, gender, and sexuality in the study of religion. He argues that these categories have been used as tools of oppression and marginalization, and that they have been essential in shaping the way in which religion is understood and studied. Chung explores how race, gender, and sexuality have been constructed and reproduced within religious communities, as well as how they have been challenged and transformed by social movements such as the civil rights movement and the feminist movement.

Chung's study also examines the influence of postmodernism on the study of religion. He argues that postmodernism has challenged traditional understandings of religion and has led to the emergence of new approaches to understanding the role of religion in society. He explores how postmodernism has influenced the way in which social scientists interpret religious texts, symbols, and practices, as well as how it has led to the development of new methodologies for studying religion.

In conclusion, Paul S. Chung's study is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of social scientific study of religion. By tracing the history of this field from the axial age to the present day, Chung establishes a solid foundation for a novel model of constructive theology that 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 wide range of topics, 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.

Weight: 552g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780227177662