Society, Spirituality, and the Sacred: A Social Scientific Introduction, Second Edition

Kudos to Donald Swenson for this second edition of his highly valuable text in the social scientific approach to religion. Society, Spirituality, and the Sacred is much more than the typical survey of its subject. In particular, I know of no other work that makes such creative use of the 'dilemmas' (first outlined by Thomas F. O'Dea) that confront the organization of faith. Regardless of their level of study, readers who aspire to a better understanding of the field will discover here a perspective on the sacred in the present age that is both learned and lucid. Because of the uncommonly broad and sensitive view that it incorporates, Professor Swenson's book challenges today's students, born into increasingly pluralistic settings, to develop a more inclusive awareness of religious orientations in their world.

Kevin J. Christiano, University of Notre Dame

Society, Spirituality, and the Sacred makes a strong case for the continuing relevance of a Weberian approach to the sociology of religion, and does so in a comprehensive and student-friendly manner. The new edition is a rarity: a well-argued case for a particular approach to religion which can also serve as an accessible and up-to-date introduction to the field.

William Ramp, University of Lethbridge