Text review

Text Review 2 (Religion: The Social Context ch. 5-ch. 8)
Upon gaining a basic understanding of religion and the sociological perspective, it becomes possible to gain more in-depth knowledge concerning religion and its interactions with social aspects. First, surveying religious groups in relation to their social environments provides a basis from which to stem. With this root for understanding, McGuire can then begin to explore other topics, such as religion and social cohesion, religion and social conflict, religion supporting the status quo, religion promoting social change, and secularization. Chapters 5-8 of McGuire’s text, Religion: The Social Context, explores and expands upon these topics; all of which are important when attempting to gain comprehension of religion and its relation to the social environment.
McGuire begins by setting up two basic classifications for religious groups and their relation to their social environment; the church and the sect. The church-group “accepts the masses,” while the sect-group “sets itself apart from the larger society,” (McGuire 2008: 150). Indeed, it can be pointed out that sect-groups often exist in tension, or even conflict, with mainstream society. Therefore, religious sects have great ability for being dynamic sources of social change (McGuire 2008: 150). Finally, a third type of religious association, “idealistic mysticism,” puts little emphasis on relationships with believers and instead resists control by authorities.
In today’s modern society, it is quite difficult to apply this “church-sect dichotomy,” as modern society is much more complex. This complication led to the concept of “denomination,” which is characterized by “accommodation to society,” (McGuire 2008: 151). Tru...

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... of religion.
In chapters 5-8 of the McGuire text, we really begin to see the sociological perspective of religion up close. In these last chapters, the relationship between religious groups and their social environment is emphasized and explored. Concepts such as religion and social cohesion, religion and social conflict, religion supporting the status quo, religion promoting social change, and secularization are surveyed in an in-depth manner, allowing for a much greater understanding of religion and society. In all, McGuire was able to set the basis and context for understanding, and then launch into deep sociological study and concepts in the latter half of Religion: The Social Context. The text truly surveyed the topics objectively and thoroughly, providing a great basis for religion in the social context, and allowing for further expansion into ideas as well.