Sociology Through the Eyes of Faith

About this book

Two veteran sociologists bridge the divide between modern social science and Christian faith to examine how communities take shape.Colorfully written by two popular and respected sociologists, this volume shows how sociology has evolved, how it became divided from Christian faith, and how Christian sociologists can make sense of this branch of social science.Fraser and Campolo uncover the forgotten Christian roots of empirical inquiry in early figures like Giambattista Vico and Frédéric Le Play. The authors examine how modern universities distanced sociology from faith, and how rival paradigms interpret social order and conflict.The chapters present practical theological models for civic engagement, applying biblical principles of justice and covenant to modern social issues. History of Science: Traces how Enlightenment skepticism challenged traditional belief, while examining how Auguste Comte, Max Weber, and early American university pioneers grappled with religious commitments. Cultural Anthropology: Analyzes the debate surrounding Margaret Mead's Samoan field research and Derek Freeman's critique, demonstrating how researcher assumptions influence cross-cultural observations. Social Psychology: Explores Francis Bacon's idols of the mind, the social construction of scientific knowledge, and the reflexive principle that sociologists' own opinions reflect group affiliations. Christian Social Ethics: Contrasts Martin Luther's two-kingdom doctrine, the Anabaptist commitment to nonviolent discipleship, and the Reformed vision of cultural transformation.