Sociology of Religion, Fourth Edition introduces students to the nature and function of religious institutions and practices while asking sociological questions about the changing role of religion in today's "post-traditional" world. Broken into three parts, the book opens with the basics of religious history and a review of key theories for its study. Part II, "Religion and Social Differentiation," examines the intersections of ethnicity, class, gender, and sexuality with spirituality today, and Part III, "Religion, Culture, and Change," explores religious inspirations for, or impediments to, social change. Throughout the text, boxes illuminate key concepts and suggestions for further reading allow for ongoing exploration of key themes and topics. New to the Fourth Edition: · Chapter 9, "Politicized Religion and Conflict," presents a comparative look at religious extremism and its global risks · Updated and expanded content on ethnicity and religion aids students in better understanding increasingly diverse societies · Greater focus on religion's significance in current debates over gender roles and sexuality offers a framework for exploring contemporary conflicts. · Updated and expanded discussion of religion and the media explores the history of their relationship and how it is being reconfigured in a media-saturated age.