The Sacred Canopy: Elements of a Sociological Theory of Religion

By: Peter L. Berger

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Synopsis: &“The most important contribution to the sociology of religion since Max Weber&’s The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism&” (Commonweal). Acclaimed scholar and sociologist Peter L. Berger carefully lays out an understanding of religion as a historical, societal mechanism in this classic work of social theory. Berger examines the roots of religious belief and its gradual dissolution in modern times, applying a general theoretical perspective to specific examples from religions throughout the ages. Building upon the author&’s previous work, The Social Construction of Reality, with Thomas Luckmann, this book makes Berger&’s case that human societies build a &“sacred canopy&” to protect, stabilize, and give meaning to their worldview.