And one need not be a scholar of art to have extraordinary feelings in the presence of great art. Still, the existential moment of viewing great art does not constitute the whole of what may be known or experienced with respect to the masterpiece. Knowledge of the life of the artist, as well as the culture and times in which the artist worked, may significantly enhance our capacity to appreciate the masterpiece. Indeed, there are many kinds of knowledge that might enhance our knowledge of appreciation of a particular work of art. When the sociologist studies religion she is contributing to a stock of cultural knowledge that will enrich our understanding of religion and its role in society, just as the many disciplines my enhance our appreciation for great art.
Religion is quintessentially a social phenomenon .
While religion has a private dimension, people experience religion in groups. All the world's great religions have created, and are sustained by large bureaucratic institutions. People profess to believe certain truths that are passed down by religious traditions, but some people believe more fervently than others. And what people profess to believe often has consequences for their behavior. Through the ages, the activities of groups on behalf of their religion has placed them in conflict with other groups.