study of religion
...in the general framework of a world view, and (3) a philosophical justification or rejection of various religious positions. As a result, theological arguments, metaphysical systems, moral and ethical issues, and many other similar issues have come under critical examination. The sociological method is applied to issues such as how religion contributes to social integration and what function religion serves in the social complex of which it is a part. The importance of religion is emphasized through its cultural symbols and expressions and the network of relationships that bind people in cohesive groups. Psychology of religion involves the collection and classification of psychological data, the investigation of religious responses as correlated with various personality types, the testing of various psychological explanations, the examination of the religious symbols and practices that aid or impede individuals in working out personal problems, and the bearing of religious issues on the integration of personality. Phenomenologists believe that every human activity is relevant to the study of whatever “phenomenon” on which they are focusing. Religion, music, painting, sculpture, labor, and any other product of human endeavor must be observed and analyzed in terms of its potential to illuminate and explain the phenomenon of religious faith. Therefore, the phenomenological approach to religion is to identify a general pattern and define its essential elements. Significant contributions have been made by this method, especially in the comparison of one religious form wit...