Instead of losing its importance, sociology of religion should become more essential for study in sociology curriculum. It should be more than the anthropology and theology students who are asking such questions as, "What is the future of religion in society? Despite the growing complexity of society and the increase in stress and related emotional problems, why is there a decrease in formal religion attendance? Does modernity secularize as Durkheim noted? Can there be a complete break between "secularization" and "religiosity?" Where, how, and why can religion grow and survive in a highly technical world? What social forces and influences explain different religious outcomes? What impact does religion have in a country, as the United States, which is undergoing a major demographic change in cultures? What place does religion play in an increasing globalized world?
Apparently, however, Luckmann's concern for the study of sociology of religion is not coming to fruition. Over the past several years, reports Cnaan, "the sociological study of religion is witnessing an academic revival." Increasing numbers of social scientists recognize the need to include religious factors in their academic work.
In their book, Sociology of Religion: Contemporary Developments, authors Christiano, Swatos and Kivisto state that the study of religion in secular-academic circles is both difficult and challenging. Religion both "motivates [the] most killing in the world today" and "contributes to [the] most healing in the world today" (51). Anything that exerts so much control over humanity is important to study. Similarly, Idinopulos and Wilson...
However, the authors argue, Durkheim has provided "an abundance of explanatory ideas." For that reason, alone, his works will continue to be important for many years to come.
Regardless of whether or not someone agrees with Durkheim's conclusions or believes that his studies were wide or in-depth enough for generalizations to other societies and cultures, it is difficult to disagree about the relevance of religion in today's world. In order to better understand the dynamics that are taking place both in the U.S. And other countries, it is essential to have a better understanding of the two-way impact between religion and society.
References
Christiano, K., Swatos, W. Jr., and Kivisto, P. Sociology of Religion:
Contemporary Developments. Walnut Creek, CA: Alta Mira Press, 2002
Cnaan, R.A. Sociology of Religion: Contemporary Developments: Lanham, MD:
AltaMira Press, 2002
Durkheim, E. Elementary Forms of the Religious Life. New York: Freepress, 1967
Idinapulos, T.A., and Wilson, B.C. Reappraising Durkheim for the Study and Teaching of Religion Today Boston, MA: Brill, 2001
Luckmann, T. On Religion in Modern Society: Individual Consciousness, World
View, Institution Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion,(1963) 2.2 147-162.
