The Sociology of Theology Revisited and Applied

Abstract

This paper reconsiders and restates the sociology of theology as an investigation of the social origins of theological doctrines. It treats the sociology of theology as an integral part of the sociology of religion and links it with the sociology of ideology (or knowledge). In particular, it applies the sociology of theology to the emergence and diffusion of Calvinism as a theological system. The paper posits and identifies essential social origins of the main Calvinist sociological doctrines, such as those of an absolute, omnipotent God and Divine predestination. It specifically identifies their social origins in a definite political system for the first doctrine and a ruling class of society for the second. It shows that these doctrines are theological and ideological projections and rationalizations of Calvinists pursuing or attaining power and domination since Calvin and his collaborators, and through their descendants. The paper aims to make a contribution to the sociology of theology as a relatively neglected part of the contemporary sociology of religion and ideology.