The Sociology of Religious Movements
The Sociology of Religious Movements |
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The Sociology of Religious Movements William Sims Bainbridge Willian Sims Bainbridge is Director of the Sociology Program at the National Science Foundation. He is the author of numerous books including Satan's Power (1978), Social Research Methods and Statistics (1992), and Religion, Deviance, and Social Control(1996). The Sociology of Religious Movements is the of work begun in The Future of Religion (1906) culmination and Religion (1993).A Theory of To order a copy of The Sociology of Religious Movements
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The Sociology of Religious Movements explains that religion is a central institution of human society, constantly renewed by movements through processes of schism, innovation, and transformation. This book introduces students to the significant features of religious movements, through vivid examples and clear analysis. At the same time, it is based on much new research, including ethnographic observations, historical records, and questionnaire surveys. The Sociology of Religious Movements is the culmination of work begun in two earlier, award-winning books, The Future of Religion and A Theory of Religion.
The author, William Sims Bainbridge, earned his doctorate in sociology from Harvard University in 1975. He has published thirteen books and more than 100 essays in such journals as American Sociological Review, American Journal of Sociology, Social Forces, Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, Sociology of Religion, and Review of Religious Research. He currently directs the Sociology Program of the National Science Foundation and holds the position of Science Officer in the NSF Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences.
One chapter of The Sociology of Religious Movements examines The Family and finds it to be a remarkably creative, humane, and spiritual alternative to the ordinary denominations. The chapter begins with the stories of several members who joined The Family in its early days, based on long and deep interviews. A brief history of the movement draws upon reports by a number of scholars, and another section of the chapter covers the rich musical culture of the group. The concluding section considers the terrible persecutions The Family has suffered in many countries and the powerful faith that has allowed members to endure these hardships.