Reflection on sociological theories

Reflection on relationship between Christian worldview and Sociology gave rise to two observations. The first observation is that both Judeo-Christian worldview and Sociology believe that external factors play important part in an individual’s life. The second observation is that methodologies in Theology use similar process(es) to Sociology.

“a social science guided by the basic understanding that ‘the social matters: our lives are affected, not only by our place in the social world’ and should be studied using a Sociological Imagination – the ability to look beyond the individual as the cause for success and failure and see how one’s society influences” (Carl & Baker, 2012, p. 4).

The above definition illustrates the first observation where Sociology takes into consideration external influences. Biblical scriptures that warn about external influences by emphasising the need to choose the right company; 2 Corinthians 4:4, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Proverbs 13:20 and Proverbs 10:17.

My studying in Christian Heritage College (CHC) demonstrates Sociological, Functionalistic influence and Christian influence. I commenced study after being recommended by friends (choosing the right company) and the way the college, Australian Visa system (functionalism) is set up and the availability of funds (functionalism) through the sale of an apartment that Singapore government (functionalism) has enabled me to purchase 10 years ago, I am able to study Sociology (functionalism) in CHC.

The second observation identified similar process between Judeo-Christian practice and Sociology. Exegesis and Hermeneutics are theological practices that begin with identifying social elements, dynamics in text, with an intention to apply the concepts, principles learned to current day scenarios. Sociology, particularly Functionalism, too studies social structural elements to discover social laws that can be applied to societies in general (Carl & Baker, 2012, p. 17).

I recognise the benefits of Sociology, without which many governments might be less efficient, especially the ones that are not guided by any spiritual-religious beliefs. Singapore and Australia are examples of government with secular values that draw inspiration from Sociological concepts and principles.

However, as a Christian scholar, I believe that God guides us in multiple ways, He might choose to use Sociology or a myriads of other ways to run our society. Moses led his fellow Jews listening to the teachings of God. I personally hope to be able to use the knowledge that God has put in my hands, Christian and Sociological perspectives to build beneficent counselling practice.

             

References:

Carl, John & Baker, S. (2012). Sociology : An Introduction in the Sociological Imagination. In J. Carl, S. Baker, B. Robards, J. Scott, W. Hillman & G. Lawrence (eds.), Think Sociology (pp. 3-11). Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson Australia.

Maas, A. (1909). Biblical Exegesis. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved September 2, 2013 from New Advent: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05692b.htm

Tweedle, C. B. (2010). Sociology: A Christian approach for the changing world. Marion Indiana: Triangle Publishing. pp. 3-12

The Holy Bible: New King James Version (1988). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible