Religion Matters

From presentation of classic approaches to understanding religion, such as those by such members of the canon as Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim, to the most timely of current events (how is the COVID pandemic affecting church life?), Religion Matters provides a thorough coverage of sociological approaches to religion. An excellent balance of breadth and depth,Religion Matters explores both how society and social change affects religion and the various ways in which religion influences society. There is something for every syllabus: religion and climate change - check; religion and controversy over sexuality - check; religion and political conflict - check; religion and immigration - check, and on and on. The authors bring an accessible writing style along with a mastery of the current research to present a balanced, informative, and stimulating approach to contemporary religion.
Rhys H. Williams, Professor of Sociology and Director of the McNamara Center for the Social Study of Religion, Loyola University, Chicago, USAIf recent events are any indication, religion has and continues to change individuals, communities and societies. Students of all ages must pay attention to this institution to understand how this social institution can motivate calls for liberation and equality as well as dominance and prejudice. Religion Matters is a vital resource for understanding our present circumstances and historical origins as they pertain to religion. It pays particular attention to the ways in which religion intersects with race, gender, and class in a unique way that sets this textbook apart from the others. A must-read.
Jerry Z. Park, Associate Professor of Sociology, Baylor UniversityReligion Matters is the perfect text to introduce students to the myriad ways that religion shapes our culture, politics, and daily lives. Written in a highly accessible style, the book covers traditional sociological theories of religion as well recent empirical research findings. It sheds light on the intersection of religion and a variety of contemporary social issues, ranging from gender equality, racism and black liberation, immigration, LGBTQI concerns, and climate change. Academically rigorous and thought-provoking, Religion Matters offers all that one needs to teach a compelling sociology of religion course.
Sharon Erickson Nepstad, Distinguished Professor of Sociology, University of New Mexico