Has social science been a religion?: the dilemma of sociological analysis of religion

This paper is a critical engagement with analytical tools social science has used to interpret religion and religious behavior. It looks at the relationship between the church and the divine sphere of life, the interpretation of social support in church, and the issue of sacrifice. The paper looks at the extent to which objectivity has been useful as a lens through which to interpret religion., It argues that there is a sphere of social life that acknowledges objectivism bit is beyond its use as the only lens of analysis.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Human Science Research Council SA
Published
2026-07-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.14749/32861318
Primary Topic
Religion and Society Interactions
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Has social science been a religion?: the dilemma of sociological analysis of religion

Human Sciences Research Council
Human Science Research Council SA
Religion and Society Interactions
article

Has social science been a religion?: the dilemma of sociological analysis of religion

Human Sciences Research Council
article en

Abstract

This paper is a critical engagement with analytical tools social science has used to interpret religion and religious behavior. It looks at the relationship between the church and the divine sphere of life, the interpretation of social support in church, and the issue of sacrifice. The paper looks at the extent to which objectivity has been useful as a lens through which to interpret religion., It argues that there is a sphere of social life that acknowledges objectivism bit is beyond its use as the only lens of analysis.

Human Science Research Council SA
Reduced inequalities
Openalex Percentile: Top 4%
Religion and Society Interactions
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Has social science been a religion?: the dilemma of sociological analysis of religion — Human Sciences Research Council · Human Science Research Council SA (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS