Religion

In: International social science journal: ISSJ, Band 33, Heft 2, S. 285-306

Abstract

Both the critical & the systemic perspectives that currently inform the sociology of religion deal with the connection between myth & reality in contemporary society, but neither is sufficiently forceful to sway scientific opinion. The critical view, as articulated by Roland Robertson (Meaning and Change. Explorations in the Cultural Sociology of Modern Societies, New York: New York U Press, 1978), argues that present-day reality has little to do with myth, even in fragmented form; although it holds that as individuals mature, they may be attracted to various mythic presentations. A systemic orientation, as held by Sabino Acquaviva (The Decline of the Sacred in Industrial Society, Oxford, England: Basil Blackwell, 1979) maintains that sacred beliefs can be integrated into secular society through institutions (eg, the U & the law). Another distinction is observed in priestly & prophetic methodological approaches (eg, to language). Sociologists, who use a combination of theoretical & methodological approaches, need to be aware of the persistence of myth in nonscientific social reality. D. Dunseath.