Several distinct perspectives have been offered to answer questions about the changing place of public religion in contemporary society. Living as we do in an increasingly interdependent world, we would do well to pay closer attention to the ways in which social processes at the global level may be influencing the quality and location of religion. A focus on broad comparative trends in the world’s most powerful societies can sensitize us to those conditions in our own society that may be universal or that may be distinctive. However, there may be instances in which our understanding of the dynamics between religion and society prove simply to be wrong unless we interpret them as part of some larger system of relations in world society.
It is possible to divide religion into two broad general classifications, when looking for reasons or motivations for study.
a) personal religious fulfilment;
b) understanding the practices of ethnic groups
This leads to different approaches which can affect the students’ conclusions. Even when limited by a specific faith or religious tradition, assumptions may be made about the value of religion.
While a certain bias is always brought to any investigation, awareness is nevertheless critical. A risk is the tendency to evaluate material in light of religious convictions. While problematic for a variety of reasons, this particular mode of analysis is simply inappropriate. It is also ineffective, as you cannot anticipate others will share your assumptions. If personal opinions, rather than reasoned evidence, serve as the premise of an argument, then the conclusions will be flawed and easily refuted. Thus, neither faith nor received tradition (such as Sunday School lessons) constitut ...