Phil Zuckerman is currently a professor of sociology and religion at Pitzer College. He is the author of Strife in the Sanctuary: Religious Schism in a Jewish Community (Alta Mira 1999) and Du Bois on Religion (Altamira 2000).

"Zuckerman's fresh approach, his fine narrative sense, his accessible and colloquial style, and his enthusiasm for the sociology of religion make this the most stimulating and enjoyable introduction to the subject that I've ever read." -- Benton Johnson, Professor Emeritus of Sociology, University of Oregon"Zuckerman's fresh approach, his fine narrative sense, his accessible and colloquial style, and his enthusiasm for the sociology of religion make this the most stimulating and enjoyable introduction to the subject that I've ever read." -- Benton Johnson, Professor Emeritus of Sociology, University of Oregon

• Acknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1: Sociology and Religion Chapter 2: Time and Place Chapter 3: Religion is Socially Learned Chapter 4: Religion or Cult? Chapter 5: Social Life Affecting Religion Chapter 6: Religion Affecting Social Life Conclusion: The Matter of Belief Bibliography Index