The Sacred Canopy: Elements of a Sociological Theory of Religion [Paperback]

Peter L. Berger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1990

This important contribution to the sociology of religion provides an analysis that clarifies the often ironic interaction between religion and society.  Berger is noted for his concise and lucid style.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“[Berger] writes in a concise and lucid style, a rare talent among sociologists, but does so without losing any of the cogency of his material. More impressively, he is almost unparalleled in his creativity. The Sacred Canopy brings together all of these virtues and is easily his most important book. Indeed, I think it’s the most important contribution to the sociology of religion since Max Weber’s The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism.” —Jeffery K. Hadden, Commonweal

 

“This is a brilliant analysis that gives evidence of a sociology of religion that is able to clarify the often ironic interaction of religion and society.” —A. Theodore Kachel, Union Seminary Quarterly Review

 

“[Berger] writes . . . in a challenging way, skillfully injecting theological materials drawn from both Eastern and Western religions to reinforce his points. He also displays an understanding of the issues that concern practicing religionists, while at the same time he tells them frankly where the going for them is likely to be rough.” —Elizabeth K. Nottingham,American Journal of Sociology

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

From the Publisher

This important contribution to the sociology of religion provides an analysis that clarifies the often ironic interaction between religion and society. Berger is noted for his concise and lucid style.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Anchor (September 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385073054
• ISBN-13: 978-0385073059
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.6 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #91,079 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Peter L. Berger (Boston, MA) is University Professor of Sociology, Emeritus, at Boston University and the founder and Senior Research Fellow of the Institute on Culture, Religion, and World Affairs. He has written numerous books on sociological theory, the sociology of religion, and Third World development. Among his more recent books are In Praise of Doubt (with Anton Zijderveld); Religious America, Secular Europe? (with Grace Davie and Effie Fokas); Questions of Faith; Many Globalizations (edited with Samuel Huntington); and Redeeming Laughter: The Comic Dimension of Human Experience. Professor Berger has received honorary degrees from Loyola University, University of Notre Dame, University of Geneva, University of Munich, Sofia University, and Renmin University of China.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Put it on your must-read list!, May 2, 2000

By 

Gretchen Koch (Plano, Texas) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Sacred Canopy: Elements of a Sociological Theory of Religion (Paperback)

"The Sacred Canopy" is an excellent introduction to Peter Berger, as well as a good way to gain a new perspective on how we construct a sacred reality for ourselves. Berger's goal in this book is not to get us to abandon our religious faith, but to examine it as at least partially social projection which we then accept as objective and subsequently internalize. He then goes on in the second half to examine the phenomenon of secularization and its impact on the power which religious traditions hold over their adherents. This is a scholarly book, but it is not by any means esoteric-- due mainly to Berger's exceptional writing style. This would be a good one to keep on the shelf for multiple readings.

46 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful and Readable, January 28, 1999

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TowerMoose (La Jolla, CA USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Sacred Canopy: Elements of a Sociological Theory of Religion (Paperback)

This book is a must for anyone interested in the study or experience of religion in the modern world. Part one highlights the human need for meaning and order that is rooted in something less transient than human existence, and the way religion functions as a "shield" against various existential terrors. Although somewhat dated, the analysis of modern religion presented in part two is valuable for its discussions of how secularization has roots within religion itself, and how the relationships between religious denominations and the rest of society can be profitably described in terms borrowed from market economics. The book is highly readable, frequently funny, and provides a lucid introduction to a particular sociology of knowledge as well as a useful perspective on religion.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the basic texts, May 6, 2004

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K. Allan (Kernersville, NC United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Sacred Canopy: Elements of a Sociological Theory of Religion (Paperback)

There are few books that lift the veil surrounding religion--Berger's book is one of them. Religion is not simply a spiritual phenomenon, it is a social one as well. Berger zeros in on this social aspect and allows us to see one of the reasons that every society has, and undoubtedly will continue to have, religion. Berger argues that human beings live in a peculiar world; it is a cultural world, a world of meaning, and religion plays a specific role in creating and maintaining this world. Is the book difficult to read as some commentators have said? Yes. Is it worth the effort? Undoubtedly. After reading this book, the reader will never view their world or religion in quite the same way.