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Religion in Modern Society

Religion in Modern Society 63 HESSEL J. ZONDAG RELIGION IN MODERN SOCIETY An analysis of Peter Berger's typology Summary The sociologist, Peter Berger, divided the possibilities for religious affirmation in a modem society into three categories: a deductive, an inductive and a reductive approach. The ques- tion in the present research is whether these three categories can be empirically validated and arranged in a continuum. To test this hypothesis, the categories were ordered accor- ding to the degree of 'actualization': the degree to which a religious tradition could be re- formulated. In order to do this, Berger's classification was extended to include a fourth category, which we called 'detachment'. This extended typology was then tested and the classification proved to have both internal and external validity. The typology could also be empirically characterised by a single dimension. Using the Berger-based typology pro- posed here, it is possible to distinguish different positions in relation to the Christian tradi- tion. The proposed typology may also allow us to further understand the dynamics of religious beliefs in changing times. 1. The Problem and Method In 1979 the sociologist, Peter Berger, published his book 'The Heretical Impera- tive'. His main thesis was that in modem society http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Journal of Empirical Theology Brill

Religion in Modern Society

Journal of Empirical Theology , Volume 5 (2): 63 – Jan 1, 1992

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Publisher
Brill
Copyright
© 1992 Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, The Netherlands
ISSN
0922-2936
eISSN
1570-9256
DOI
10.1163/157092592X00253
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

63 HESSEL J. ZONDAG RELIGION IN MODERN SOCIETY An analysis of Peter Berger's typology Summary The sociologist, Peter Berger, divided the possibilities for religious affirmation in a modem society into three categories: a deductive, an inductive and a reductive approach. The ques- tion in the present research is whether these three categories can be empirically validated and arranged in a continuum. To test this hypothesis, the categories were ordered accor- ding to the degree of 'actualization': the degree to which a religious tradition could be re- formulated. In order to do this, Berger's classification was extended to include a fourth category, which we called 'detachment'. This extended typology was then tested and the classification proved to have both internal and external validity. The typology could also be empirically characterised by a single dimension. Using the Berger-based typology pro- posed here, it is possible to distinguish different positions in relation to the Christian tradi- tion. The proposed typology may also allow us to further understand the dynamics of religious beliefs in changing times. 1. The Problem and Method In 1979 the sociologist, Peter Berger, published his book 'The Heretical Impera- tive'. His main thesis was that in modem society

Journal

Journal of Empirical TheologyBrill

Published: Jan 1, 1992

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