Diversity and Heterogeneity in Religious Theories and Analysis and Enrichment of Sociological Knowledge

Abstract

The study of religious beliefs and practices has always remained at the center of sociological polemics. For decades, social theorists have tried to theorize and understand the various facets of religion. However, their exegeses of religion have, on many occasions, been found to be disparate. But such varied ratiocinations and interpretations of religion have only broadened and deepened our understanding of religious beliefs. This paper is an attempt to look into the views of some of the prominent sociologists and social anthropologists on religion and make an informed analysis of the differing observations. An attempt is also made to trace the trajectory of religious discourses in recent years and their causes and consequences.