The Science of Religion and the Sociology of Knowledge

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The book explores the scientific study of religion, distinguishing it from theological practice. Ninian Smart advocates for a phenomenological approach to examining religious attitudes without assuming divine existence. He critiques projectionist theories, particularly those of Berger, and analyzes rationality within both religious and anthropological contexts. This work addresses key issues regarding the academic status of religion, aiming to establish a more rigorous framework for its study.