Invitation to the Sociology of Religion

Rating:
Summary: Fun to read -- and so provocative.
Review: This is one of the best books I have ever read about religion. I am personally not religious but I have always wondered how so many people can be so religious and I have always had all these theories about religion -- many of which were confirmed in this book. Fundamentalists will probably hate this book -- and will surely be offended -- because the writer clearly thinks religion is not true, or at least a lot of the details. This is a very sociological approach (obvious from the title) and the author uses a lot of fascinating examples, especially a lot of stuff about Mormons. Other topics I liked were the discussion of religion and sexuality, religion and the Civil Rights Movement, and the last chapter about some kids believing in fairies and some in Jesus. The book is written in a very casual style, and has lots of anecdotes. But the theories are also strong and serious. A great read.