Influential scholar Peter L. Berger explores the sociological underpinnings of religion and the rise of a modern secular society 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.
