by Dan Cohn-Sherbok (1990)
Collection of essays describes the interaction of modern religion with the present day world. Focuses on subjects such as religion and the media, Marxism and liberal theology, the Church and social problems, Christianity and religious pluralism, liberation theology, the concept of Utopia in the 20th century, the new cults, Christianity under Communist rule, the concept of sanctuary, and theological reactions to the Holocaust.
Robert Booth Fowler, Allen D. Hertzke
"Fowler and Hertzke provide a lively and straightforward treatment of the politics of religion in American public life today. They provide the historical and sociological context, as well as the range of strategic choices open to different religious actors, to enable the reader to reach informed and balanced judgments about the role of religion in politics."--BOOK JACKET.
Emily R. Gill
Draws an extended comparison between religious belief and sexuality, arguing that, just as the First Amendment to the Constitution allows for religious freedom, it should ensure that citizens may marry as they see fit as well. "The relationship between religious belief and sexuality as personal attributes exhibits some provocative comparisons. Despite the non-establishment of religion in the United States and the constitutional guarantee of free exercise, Christianity functions as the religious and moral standard in America. Ethical views that do not fit within this consensus often go unrecognized as moral values. Similarly, in the realm of sexual orientation, heterosexuality is seen as the yardstick by which sexual practices are measured. The notion that "alternative" sexual practices like homosexuality could possess ethical significance is often overlooked or ignored. In her new book, An Argument for Same-Sex Marriage, political scientist Emily Gill draws an extended comparison between religious belief and sexuality, both central components of one's personal identity. Using the religion clause of the First Amendment as a foundation, Gill contends that, just as US law and policy ensure that citizens may express religious beliefs as they see fit, it should also ensure that citizens may marry as they see fit. Civil marriage, according to Gill, is a public institution, and the exclusion of some couples from a state institution is a public expression of civic inequality. An Argument for Same-Sex Marriage is a passionate and timely treatment of the various arguments for and against same-sex marriage and how those arguments reflect our collective sense of morality and civic equality. It will appeal to readers who have an interest in gay and lesbian studies, political theory, constitutional law, and the role of religion in the contemporary United States."--Publisher's description.
Patrick Banon
"Remise en question du principe d'égalité femmes-hommes, refus de la mixité, symboliques vestimentaires, particularismes alimentaires et calendriers alternatifs, radicalisation et financement des cultes, difficultés grandissantes de management dans les entreprises, les hôpitaux et les établissements scolaires : la globalisation des religions fragilise de plus en plus la cohésion sociale, les identités et les certitudes. Entre flou juridique, ambiguïtés politiques et replis communautaires, certains, frappés de "sidération culturelle", en viennent jusqu'à douter du principe même de laïcité. Au sein de notre République indivisible, laïque et sociale, notre vivre-ensemble est aujourd'hui menacé. Dévoilant le fonctionnement des systèmes de pensée religieux, et l'impact réel de leurs rites et symboles sur la société, Patrick Banon met en lumière la singularité du principe français de laïcité, sa fragilité et sa force, et nous donne les clés pour mieux comprendre l'immense défi lancé à Marianne : sauver sans se trahir son modèle social d'égalité et de solidarité."--Page 4 of cover.
Walter A Jensen
Written with the aim of increasing public interest in the study of religion, this primer makes available, to both the student and layman alike, a substantial amount of practical information about the modern non-theological study of religion. Focusing on three key areas of interest -- (1) the difficulties in defining religion, (2) the secularization / desecularization debate, and (3) an overview of Prof. Rudolf J. Siebert's critical theory of religion -- the reader will easily gain a broad, but thorough, overview of the sociology of religion.