Most Sociology of Religion texts are decidedly staid and uninteresting, covering "contemporary" developments
which are contemporary only if viewed from a disciplinary perspective. They are not contemporary if viewed from
the perspective of the religion's practioners (in religious and non-religious settings) and students. The textbooks
that attempt to be interesting to undergraduate students often fall short because they either try to cover too
much in an encyclopedic format, or sacrifice a sociological perspective for a personal one. Many use real-life
examples only superficially to illustrate concepts.
Lundskow's approach is the opposite�students will learn the facts of religion in its great diversity, all the most
interesting and compelling beliefs and practices, and then learn relevant concepts that can be used to explain
empirical observations. The book thus follows the logic of actual research�investigate and then analyze�rather
than approaching concepts with no real bearing on how religion is experienced in society. This approach, using
provocative examples and with an eye toward the historical and theoretical, not to mention global experience of
religion, will make this book a success in the classroom.
The author envisions a substantive approach that examines religion as it actually exists in all its forms, including
belief, ritual, daily living, identity, institutions, social movements, social control, and social change. Within
these broad categories, the book will devote particular chapters to important historical moments and movements,
leaders, and various individual religions that have shaped the contemporary form and effect ofreligion in the world
today.