The sociological approach examines religious belief and practice in relation to society. Sociologists are interested in two themes, the centrality of religion in society and the diversity of the forms in which it manifests itself (Hamilton 1995/2001:1). It views religion as a social fact subject to empirical observation, which produces empirical evidence (Dillon 2003: 7). The sociology of religion is a product of the Enlightenment, from which it inherited the tendency to reject religion as incompatible with rationality (Dillon 2003:6). This rejection has had a significant impact on attitudes towards religion and forms the basis for the most influential paradigm in the history of the field; secularization. Secularization theory holds that religion is or will be decreasing in society. Its impact has been so profound that modern sociology often aims to explain the continuing presence of religion in society and has generally taken a rather negative view of religion as a subject unworthy of study (Davies 2007:2). The reason for secuarlization can be seen in the fact that sociology is a theory driven by theories and aimed at building theories (Wuthnow/Dillon 2003:21). Theories require analysis and generalization. It is impossible to analyze a subject without first defining it (Robertson 1970:34). Definition is a controversial issue because different definitions involve different criteria that lead to identifying different patterns in the data. Theories are created by identifying patterns in data which are then generalized (Davies 2007:5). Therefore a definition will greatly influence the content and concept of a theory. Definitions of religion in sociology fall into two categories, functional and substantive. This essay will evaluate...... half of the article ......in the answers but in the question. Works CitedDavie, Grace (2007) The Sociology of Religion. London. Sage PublicationsDillon, Michele (2003) Handbook of the sociology of religion. Cambridge. Cambridge University PressHamilton, Malcom (1995/2001) The sociology of religion: theoretical and comparative perspectives. 2nd edition. Routledge. LondonHunt, Stephen J (2002) Religion in Western Society. London. PalgraveMcGuire, Meredith B. (1997) Religion: The Social Context 4th edition. WadsworthPickering, WSF (1984) Durkheim's Sociology of Religion: Themes and Theories. Routledge. LondonRobertson, Ronald (1970) The Sociological Interpretation of Religion. Blackwell Sociology Series. LondonSteinsaltz, Adin (2000) A Guide to Jewish Prayer. New York Wuthnow, Robert (2003) 'Studying religion, making it sociological' in Dillon (2003) pp.16-30