1. What is the Sociology of Religion?
Sociology of Religion is the understanding of the practices, organizational forms and beliefs of region of the Society from a religious viewpoint. The study Sociology of Religion can be achieved by using methods and tools of the discipline of sociology. It can also be described as a methodical study of societal value from a religious point of view. Furthermore, Sociology of Religion comprises an essential element of societal knowledge and culture as it analyzes various societal cultures within our society.
Culture refers to an integrated human pattern which include; action, speech, artifact, thought and it depends on human knowledge and capacity to learn. It further entails social forms, customary beliefs and mental traits of religious, social or racial group. On the other hand, religion is a cultural constituent that is often found in all societies in the world. Understanding of culture is important in the study of Sociology of Religion because culture is very pervasive and powerful in all society. This is the main reason why the study of religion requires better understanding of societal culture as they go on together.
2. Why is this subject important?
The study of Sociology of Religion is very important because it is at the center social, political, educational, scientific, technological and economic life of people in a society. Integral in religion are doctrines and theological teachings of laws, values, creeds, ethics and values that shape lives of individuals in our society. Sociology of Religion is thus interested in studying the extent of participation, contribution and involvement of religion towards providing direction and pattern in the society. Through the study of Sociology of Religion learners will be able to acknowledge the role of region towards development and changes in the society.
In addition, Sociology of Religion examines the origin, forms and historical development of religion over a long span of time. It also seeks to be aware of the impact of religion on institutions and individuals in the society. It explains the impact of religion on social aspects such as politics, marriages, families, development and technology in the society. In the study of Sociology of Religion, more attention is paid to relationships, norms, human interactions, values and beliefs amongst other religious grouping in the society.
Changes that have appeared in our society to different religious denominations that are today found in our society are analyzed in Sociology of Religion. The study of Sociology of Religion is important because it seeks to enlighten learners on the dialectics and dynamics behind the changes that take place in various denominations in the society. Furthermore, Sociology of Religion predicts the directions in which each denomination in the society is heading to. More religious concepts related to social aggregates, organizations, groups, institutions, crime and law are covered in the Sociology of Religion.
The study of Sociology of Religion analyzes the cause of behavior deviance and conflict in the society and the steps and resolutions that can be taken to bring stability in the society. Sociology of Religion promotes moral values and practices in the society that enhance order, stability and peace in the society. Therefore the study of Sociology of Religion of religion is very important as prevent conflict outbreak that can affect development progress of a society. To promote stability in the society Sociology of Religion campaigns against evil activities such as crime, animosity, hate speech and tribalism. That is why “ in societies where religion is highly valued, religious communities will also receive a certain amount of prestige and respect just because they are seen as carriers of religious value (16).
3. What is the Rational Choice Theory?
The Rational Choice Theory provides the guidance on how people in the society can live harmoniously with each other like brother by making the right choice in their lives. The rational theory mainly deals the economic aspect of a society. “ At the core of the rational theory is a view of the human being as a “ rational” actor, making choices that she or he thinks best, calculating costs and benefits”(43). According to this theory there is no big difference between religious choices making process with other form of choices that are made by people on daily basis.
According to the Rational Choice Theory the choice-making process has never been simple. The way religious people find it hard to make decisions in their lives is the same way people in other spheres of life find it. Therefore, the Rational Choice Theory advises people in the society to take time before making their decisions in life because they may end up making wrong decision. Majority of people usually come to regret about the bad choice or wrong decisions the made earlier in their lives.
When we are making choices in life, it important to be considerate to our colleagues in order to avoid making decisions that will affect there lives in future. The Rational Choice Theory teaches people how to make sound decisions in life which are morally upright and do not interfere with the life of other members of the society.
