Aayushi BansalAIR 7 · CSE 2024 · 153 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening
Sociology of religion understands religion as a social phenomenon, its relation with other institutions in the societal context in contrast [to] theology of religion. Sociology of religion is related to sociology of knowledge because religion gives an understanding of time & space. In Durkheim's Elementary Forms of Religion, Arunta tribesmen understood space as sacred based on totem's presence & time as euphoric. Religion answers questions of life & death, other world & so on adding to storehouse of knowledge.
Body · continuous prose
Further, a sociologist can gain understanding about a society based on its religions. For eg, a modern society is based on civic religion where nation acquires primacy. This adds to knowledge base of sociologist.
Religion also complements scientific knowledge. As per Durkheim, they both provide collective representations. In fact, Science evolves asking questions from religion → eg creation of universe.
Close
Sociology of knowledge concerned with an epistemological understanding is enriched by sociology of religion.