Religion and Sociology: a marriage made in heaven or hell?

The first FD Maurice lecture explores the evolving relationship between sociology and other approaches to the study of religion.  After reviewing a variety of sociological perspectives on religion, Professor Beckford shall begin to make a case for adopting a moderate form of social constructionism as a distinctively sociological – but not sociologistic – way of raising and tackling good questions about religions.

Although this lecture forms part of a series, each of the lectures stands alone and attendance for all three nights is not required:

Religion and Sociology: a marriage made in heaven or hell?

By Professor James A. Beckford FBA (University of Warwick)

Religions have lost none of their power to fascinate, to motivate and to infuriate in the early twenty-first century.  The aim of these lectures is to discuss how far sociological perspectives are capable of raising important questions about religions and our understanding of them.  The starting point is the emergence of sociological concerns with religion in the 19th and early 20th centuries and of the continuing doubts about the value of studying the social dimensions of religion.  I shall then set out my own approach to understanding religion in its social contexts,using examples from recent research on, for example, religion in prisons,religious diversity and new religious movements.  Finally, I shall discuss the contributions that sociological perspectives have brought to bear on a selection of current debates, disputes and controversies about religion in Britain today.

The FD Maurice lectures were established in 1933 in honour of Frederick Denison Maurice. Maurice, who was Professor of English Literature and History (1840-1846) and then Professor of Theology (1846-1853)at King’s, was forced to leave the College in 1853 on the grounds that his theological ideas would be detrimental to students, although a more fundamental reason was probably his social radicalism.

The FD Maurice lectures take place over three consecutive evenings in the Spring, with a common theme. The establishment of the lectures testified to a later generation’s recognition of Maurice’s enormous contribution to education and to society. Maurice’s own range of interests isreflected in the range of topics addressed in FD Maurice Lectures, within the fields of Biblical Studies, History of the Christian Church, the Study of Religion, Systematic and Moral Theology, and the intersection between religion and society. The lectures have been given by some of the most eminent specialists in their field and are designed both for students and staff and for the informed public.

For further information, and to find out about other lectures in this series, please visit the Department of Theology & Religious Studies website.