What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to evaluate how social science interprets religion and religious behavior critically.

July 3, 2026Open Access

Has social science been a religion?: the dilemma of sociological analysis of religion

Key Points

The aim is to evaluate how social science interprets religion and religious behavior critically.
Analyzed the relationship between church and the divine sphere
Examined the role of objectivity in interpreting religion
Explored concepts of social support and sacrifice within religious contexts
Objectivity is useful but not sufficient for a complete analysis of religion
Identified a social sphere that transcends objectivism in analyzing religious behavior
Argued for a more nuanced understanding of sociological tools in the study of religion

Abstract

This paper is a critical engagement with analytical tools social science has used to interpret religion and religious behavior. It looks at the relationship between the church and the divine sphere of life, the interpretation of social support in church, and the issue of sacrifice. The paper looks at the extent to which objectivity has been useful as a lens through which to interpret religion., It argues that there is a sphere of social life that acknowledges objectivism bit is beyond its use as the only lens of analysis.

Ask AI

Helpful

Bookmark

View Full Paper