The Sacred Canopy: Elements of a Sociological Theory of Religion (Paperback)

by Peter L. Berger (Author) "Every human society is an enterprise of world-building..." (more)
Key Phrases: anomic phenomena, objectivated world, masochistic attitude, Old Testament, World War, Middle Ages (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
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.

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: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #46,581 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #68 in	Books > Nonfiction > Philosophy > Philosophy of Religion
  #73 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Sociology

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 47 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 (Aarhus, Denmark) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

"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.

39 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

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

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

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.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	K. Allan (Kernersville, NC United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.