Tales from a Life in the Sociology of Religion

Authors

  • Gary Bouma Monash University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/jasr.39634

Keywords:

Religion and society, sociology of religion, religious diversity, history of sociology, religion and public policy

Abstract

From structural functionalism and social realism to a vastly different sociology and social context, keeping up with changes within the profession and in the object of study, society, has been a challenge. A burning desire to use what is known to build a better society and enhance the lives of all, but especially those less fortunate and trapped in structures of poverty, discrimination or abuse, has provided an ongoing motivation to discover what is and to work to make real what might be. In pursuing social justice, which is always a pursuit, I have found both sociology and theology, critically and tentatively received, to be very helpful. An allergy to the doctrinaire developed very early persists to the present as diversity continues to delight and enliven.

Author Biography

  • Gary Bouma, Monash University

    Gary D. Bouma AM is the UNESCO Chair in Intercultural and Interreligious Relations—Asia Pacific, and Emeritus Professor of Sociology at Monash University. He is an Associate Priest in the Anglican parish of St John’s East Malvern. His research in the sociology of religion examines the management of religious diversity in plural multicultural societies, education about religions and worldviews, postmodernity as a context for doing theology, religion and terror, religion and public policy. Author or co-author of over 25 books and 380 articles, he has been invested as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to Sociology, to Interreligious Relations and to the Anglican Church of Australia.

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Published

2020-01-24

How to Cite

Bouma, G. (2020). Tales from a Life in the Sociology of Religion. Journal for the Academic Study of Religion, 32(2-3), 117-130. https://doi.org/10.1558/jasr.39634