ipl-logo

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Christian Sociology

1406 Words6 Pages

I’m sceptical as to whether a Christian Sociology is possible, let me explain. Barger (1982:3) defines Christian Sociology as “the systematic study of the social order that, in its theory, methodology and reporting is explicitly related to the framework of understanding that is identifiably Christian.”
Furthermore, Barger (1982:3) mentions that “Christian Sociology begins in the values which guide the sociologist in her work.” I agree that it is possible for sociology be to ‘Christian’ in its values, in its theory, methodology and reporting. Max Weber (as cited by Barger, 1982:1) proposed that, “the formal study of sociology is and must be value-neutral […] objective [and] non-advocative.” I don’t agree with the idea that science can be value-neutral …show more content…

Radcliff’s (1988) essay analyses four sociological theories (the symbolic interactionist theory, the exchange theory, and the functionalist and conflict theory) in terms of three Christian doctrines: the creation, the fall and redemption. In the beginning, God created human beings in His image; thus God constructed through creation and so too, we, as humans, construct meaning through social interactions (symbolic interactionism). Social structures can only be functional if they are structured within God’s plan (functionalism). Thus, our ultimate purpose is to glorify and serve God and as we do so, we are naturally drawn to seek rewards and avoid pain (exchange …show more content…

Christ died on the cross, so that we may have eternal life (exchange theory). Adoption into God’s family is immediate; however we still have to go through a process of re-socialization (sanctification), as we grow in our relationship with Him, so many of our old social constructions may still be with us after salvation (symbolic interactionism). The conflict theory describes the experience of evil and disruption, but assumes that people can save themselves and overlooks sin. In terms of a functionalist perspective, “our goal as Christians is to help make social structures more functional through redeeming the people within them. The groups in society are more likely to be functional in reaching God’s intended goals if they are populated by Christians who are actively seeking God’s will, both personally and in terms of the structures within which they work” (Radcliff

Show More
Related

  • What Is The Truth By Josh Dowel Chapter 1 Summary

    1663 Words  | 7 Pages

    Chapter One: My Story In the very beginning of this book, the author, Josh Dowel, relates a story from his childhood in which he couldn’t find satisfaction from his church, and thereby abandoned attending church. He quotes a country saying “when something doesn’t work, get rid of it” as a way of explaining his attitude toward church, and consequently, religion. Later in this chapter, Dowel explains a revelation which led him to once again explore Christianity. He realized a valuable truth: Jesus Christ and religion are two separate entities.

    Read More

  • James Hal Cone Book Report

    865 Words  | 4 Pages

    He received a B.A. degree from Philander Smith College in Arkansas in 1958, a B.D. degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1961, and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Northwestern University in 1963 and 1965, respectively. He taught theology and religion at Philander Smith College, Adrian College in Michigan, and beginning in 1970 at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, where he was awarded the distinguished Charles A. Briggs Chair in systematic theology in 1977. He taught theology and religion at Philander Smith College, Adrian College in Michigan, and beginning in 1970 at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, where he was awarded the distinguished Charles A. Briggs Chair in systematic theology in 1977. The thesis of this book is that one's social and historical context decides not only the questions 2 we address to God but also the mode or form of the

    Read More

  • Essay On Reconstruction Sharecropping

    1185 Words  | 5 Pages

    In the 1870s a movement called Social Gospel appeared. Walter Rauschenbusch, Charles Sheldon, and Washington Gladden, were all Protestant Ministers that led this movement to fight against social injustices. They believed that helping others was the way to salvation and true Christians should live their life through the thinking of “What would Jesus do?”. Even those not led by religion began to believe that they should help others. An example of this is the 700,000 subscribers to a newspaper titled Appeal to Reason.

    Read More

  • Religion In The South

    678 Words  | 3 Pages

    Religion is important for a society to function. Sociologist focus on religion as an institution or system followed by a group, based on what they interpret is sacred to this group. Furthermore, depicts the reasoning on how southerners in America have established their conservative values. These values will determine the foundation of southern culture past from generations to their roles in society. Conservatism in the south, has revolved around the significance of religion, leading to the resistance to innovation in society but can be solved through changing societal norms.

    Read More

  • Summary Of Peter Berger's The Sacred Canopy

    717 Words  | 3 Pages

    Heavily influenced by Max Weber, Peter Berger was interested in the meaning of social structures. Berger’s concern with the meaning societies give to the world is apparent throughout his book The Sacred Canopy (1967), in which he drew on the sociology of knowledge to explain the sociological roots of religious beliefs. His main goal is to convince readers that religion is a historical product, it is created by us and has the power to govern us. Society is a human product. Berger made it very clear from the beginning, that society is a dialectic phenomenon; it was produced by us and in return, produced us too.

    Read More

  • Summary Of On The Idea Of A Christian College By Dr. Timothy Larsen

    620 Words  | 3 Pages

    Emily Dykstra and Dr. Jennifer Feenstra, both professors within the psychology department, discussed the journeys of their faith life and how they came to truly articulate their personal beliefs. These professors also talked about the many challenges faced by “emerging adults” who perhaps have a rather weak hold of their faith in the midst of a heavily-secular world and how to deal with such challenges. Of course, they believe that our education at Northwestern equips us as “courageous and faithful learners” with the suitable framework for our faith, yet they also realize that this Christian environment may be sheltering us from the harsh realities of the world. This session reminded me of a previous discussion I had with my FYS class about why we believe what we believe. Through that discussion, I realized that I had never really articulated what my faith actually meant to me.

    Read More

  • Why Is Classical Theory Classical?

    409 Words  | 2 Pages

    (Connell 1997,1547). Just like, many other theories it has "limit of vision" sociology should take into account. Just like in sociology, where things are not what they seem the same goes for the foundation of sociology should be questioned. Only three white men are Canonization for sociology and taught all around the world forgetting about other great minds in history. Instead The full range of intellectuals who produced "theories of society" can be recovered for this history.

    Read More

  • Analysis Of 'Muscular Christianity' By Gary Thomas

    647 Words  | 3 Pages

    The main problem with this concept is that the author never distinguishes with enough clarity, how this is a highly Christian ideal. He does offer how this is ideal can be considered a value, however, in a few examples he also shows the negative aspects of this idea/concept. Such as the example of the individual that was involved in a competitive sport. This individual like the physical activity produced by competition, but he also disliked the emotion produced by competition. In addition, his assertion that the church is weak and needs to offer a challenge to those that crave such things in our society, is wrong.

    Read More

  • More Than A Carpenter Summary

    894 Words  | 4 Pages

    McDowell begins the book with an anecdote of his life; a familiar story of the sceptical university Agnostic, ready to fire back a retort at the slightest mention of God, Christianity, and anything (or anyone) within. He recounted the all too common feeling of a meaningless life, the seemingly innate itch of human existence, and how it brought him to various places in his life—until he stumbled upon a particular group of people and was changed forever. This introduction, though short, is crucial to understand, for it sets the stage for the remainder of the book. It tells not only the story of a former non-believer, but the story of everyone—it presents us the life of Jesus Christ, not as a gentle sermon or a feel-good retelling, but as an assertive, rational reply to the accusation: ‘Christianity is a myth, and so is your God.’

    Read More

  • Christianity, Ninian Smart's Seven Dimensions Of Religion

    719 Words  | 3 Pages

    In relation to Christianity, Ninian Smart’s Seven Dimensions of religion seem to all be at play and sometimes overlap between dimensions. But because Christianity is such a vast religion with many subdivisions and differing views, certain dimensions that are consistent throughout the differing sects play a greater role than other dimensions that are less consistent across sects. Consistently prioritized in this religion are the aspects of the ritual or practical dimension, the ethical or legal dimension, and the experiential or emotional dimension. For Christianity, the ritual or practical dimension applies to the various forms of worship, prayer, and other practices of the Christian church.

    Read More

  • Two Major Theoretical Perspectives In Sociology Essay

    1481 Words  | 6 Pages

    Introduction Great thinkers, including Plato and Aristotle opened the doors to studying society; they based their thoughts on creating an “ideal society”. The science of Sociology was later developed in the early 19th century by Auguste Comte, who coined the word “Sociology”. He began to study society, using “critical thinking”. Comte believed that only by really understanding society could we begin to change it.

    Read More

  • Sociological Theory Of Common Sense

    1200 Words  | 5 Pages

    Sociology somehow can also be define as the study of development, structure, and functioning of human society. Sociology requires more than of common sense to make sense in a society. Sociology aims to provide objective knowledge of a social phenomenon in order to cope with social issues in a society. Sociology, therefore, offers insights into these issues in order to reveal the questions of humanity, also the changes and transition that humans goes through. As a sociologist, Andre Beteille have said, social science is primarily being conduct upon certain legal guidelines, the research technique and how the data is collected.

    Read More

  • Two Benefits Of Sociology: Sociology, Culture, And Society

    1474 Words  | 6 Pages

    a. Sociology is the study of the social relationships that affect the humans as well as institutions. It involves many fields of study that include crime, religion, family, race, culture and society among others. It is the primary purpose of sociology to provide linkage to all of these different subjects to help in understanding how humans behave (Smith, 2016). b. Sociological enquiry is the careful analysis of the motivational factors as well as the behavior of a certain individual within a particular group of people. The primary objective of sociological inquiry is to reveal an understanding of the social world that is readily observable.

    Read More

  • Reflection Of Paul's Pneumatology

    1434 Words  | 6 Pages

    Paul’s pneumatology found in his writings has been a matter of interest in recent New Testament scholarship. Gordon Fee has been a great contributor in this area and in Paul, the Spirit and the People of God he outlines the various elements found in Pauline pneumatology giving us greater insight into this subject. In this paper I will highlight some of these elements that are unique to Paul and are not found in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts. The first distinctive of Pauline pneumatology is the way he sees the Spirit as God’s personal presence. For Paul, the coming of the Spirit meant that God had fulfilled the promises He had made to Jeremiah and Ezekiel when He said, ‘I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel’ (Jer. 31:31), and

    Read More

  • The Importance Of Sociology Of Education

    2033 Words  | 9 Pages

    Sociology is the scientific study of human social relationships and interactions. Sociology 's subject matter is diverse. Subject matter for sociology ranges from the micro level of an individual and interaction to the macro level of systems and the social structure. At the society level, sociology examines and explains matters like crime and law, poverty and wealth, prejudice and discrimination, schools and education, business firms, urban community, and social movements. We can see these subject matters crystal clear as sociology ranges from crime to religion, from the family to the state, from the divisions of race and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture and from social stability to radical change in whole societies.

    Read More

More about Advantages And Disadvantages Of Christian Sociology

Open Document