117 THE BOOKS (live episode! books that have changed our lives)
Nov 9, 2023
auto_awesome
Max Weber, the German sociologist, discusses books that have influenced their lives and research. Topics include sociology of religion, capitalism, charismatic Pentecostal churches, child sacrifice, and women in the church.
Max Weber's book explores the relationship between Protestantism and capitalism, arguing that certain forms of Protestantism contribute to economic prosperity.
Emile Durkheim's book challenges traditional interpretations of religion by emphasizing the social nature of religious experiences and highlighting the role of collective rituals in creating and maintaining power within religious communities.
Deep dives
Mox Weber's 'The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism' explores the relationship between Protestantism and capitalism and how they interact to create prosperity.
Mox Weber's book delves into the theological component of Protestant societies, specifically the connection between Protestantism and capitalism. He argues that even after the devotion to religion wanes, there are lingering echoes that continue to influence economic prosperity. He explores the notion that certain forms of Protestantism create a connection with capitalism, resulting in the wealth and success of nations.
Emile Durkheim's 'The Elementary Forms of Religious Life' focuses on the social aspects of religion and the power of collective rituals.
Emile Durkheim's book highlights the social nature of religion, with a specific focus on collective rituals. He argues that these rituals create and maintain power and authority within religious communities. Durkheim's perspective challenged traditional interpretations of religion, emphasizing that religious experiences are deeply human and rooted in social interactions.
Catherine Bell's 'Ritual Theory, Ritual Practice' explores the significance of rituals and their role in establishing power and authority within religious spaces.
Catherine Bell's book emphasizes the importance of rituals in interpreting and understanding religious traditions. She argues that rituals create and maintain power dynamics and authority within religious communities. By analyzing the rituals performed in religious spaces, one can gain insight into the values and beliefs of those communities.
John D. Levinson's 'The Death and Resurrection of the Beloved Son' examines the transformation of child sacrifice in Judaism and Christianity.
John D. Levinson's book explores the biblical references to child sacrifice and how these practices evolved over time. He suggests that the biblical texts reflect an earlier practice of child sacrifice, which evolved into a symbolic notion or value rather than a literal practice. Levinson also addresses how these themes of sacrifice extend into Christian theology, particularly with the concept of the sacrifice of God's son, Jesus Christ.
Gather ‘round for an episode recorded in front of a LIVE AUDIENCE in Portland, Oregon! We take a piece of listener (e)mail and answer the call: to talk about books that have been deeply impactful for our lives and research—books that anyone could read and learn a lot. From classics in the early history of sociology to ritual to women in the church to child sacrifice, it’s a magic carpet ride of books.