Department of

Sociology and Family Studies

Sociology in a Christian Context

Sociology has been defined as the “systematic study of human society." Four features of this "systemic study" are often delineated as being distinctive to a sociological perspective. At Union, we develop a sociological perspective but always in conjunction with the Biblical perspective.

1. A sociological perspective sees "the general in the particular." Example: It has been found that higher income women typically expect to marry men that are sensitive to others, talk readily and share their feelings and experiences. While, lower income women have different expectations, they want a man who holds a steady job and isn’t violent. Such generalizations aren’t unique to sociology. The book of Proverbs is full of them, such as: The vexation of a fool is known once, but the prudent ignores an insult (Prov. 12:16).
2. A sociological perspective sees “the strange in the familiar.” Example: We are accustomed to thinking that people fall in love and decide to marry based on personal feelings. However, sociology reveals that many social forces are in play throughout this process. Again, this isn’t unique to sociology as the social involvement of marriage partners can be seen in the Old Testament (Gen 24). Proverbs also provides examples of social influence: My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent (Prov 1:10). An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue (Prov 17:4).
3. A Sociological perspective sees “personal choice in social context.” Example: the differences in high income countries, where women have two or less children on average and low income countries have from 3-7 on average. Even if a person resists the prevailing social atmosphere she cannot escape its effects. A just or unjust king has an effect on the whole country so does idolatry. By justice a king builds up the land, but he who bribes tears it down (Prov 29:4). When the righteous triumph there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves (Prov 28:12).
4. The experience of living in the margins of society and the experience of social crisis help people think sociologically. Example: No African American person grows up in the US without understanding the importance of race in shaping people’s lives. The Bible provides examples of this experience in observations about the poor and despised: The poor man’s words are despised and his words not heard (Ecc. 9:16). Not to mention, the many recorded historical facts in the Bible of the Jewish people living "at the margin" of great imperial powers, such as Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, and Rome.