"Religion and a Critical Review of Sociologist's Principles to Study It, with Emphasis on Frazar, Durkheim, Weber and Geertz's Theories

Using the model of "fundamental methodology", the present paper seeks to investigate the philosophical principles and orientations involved in sociological theories of religion. Relying on certain theoretical principles and foundations, sociologists analyze religion and act according to such orientations as materialist look at religion, centrality of man and his worldly benefits, use of empirical knowledge and an experience-based method to analyze religion, and finally reanalysis of the origin religion and justification of its function. Aforementioned orientations lead to a conflict between religion and sociology, reductionism, methodological tolerance and indulgence, and reinforcement of religious and social secularism and pluralism which result in obedience to multiple and contradictory religious movements. But, if sociologists act according to other principles in formulating their theories, this will not pave the way for many of epistemic, social and cultural effects and the state of religion in modern society will be otherwise.