Sociology: A Biblical Perspective within Modern Culture and Social Science

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Since the beginning of time, people from around the entire world have experienced some form of collective socialization. Humanity, from the first man, woman, son, brother, and other individuals that followed, have come to engage in a variety of social connections in almost every aspect of life. The connections that have occurred between the individuals who interacted within each aspect have done so in both positive and negative ways. When discussing the social institutions of family, education, economics, politics, and religion, we understand that these institutions have been implemented due to the interactions that have commenced from long ago. This history of social interactions, communications, and collective activities have been set accordingly for future scientists and researchers to undergo an immense study of social groups throughout life.

As mankind has progressed in social relationships over the past few centuries, there have been a number of social events that have taken place within the nation. Many of these events have transpired as the foundations for the molding and refining of modern culture. Although, in the more recent years, society has undergone a massive amount of unfortunate catastrophes that have shaped modern culture in a dark way. A number of these societal disasters have caused great distress and turmoil among people from every background and diversity. However, it is also important to realize that out of the dark and difficult tragedies that have occurred within society, some groups deriving from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs have come together in order to reestablish a cultural collectivism.

Photo credit from Chicago Sun-Times.

One of the most recent and prominent examples of these catastrophic events would be the 2017 Las Vegas massacre. In the early morning of Sunday, October 1st, an individual by the name of Stephen Paddock decided to commence fire from a 32nd floor window of the Mandalay Bay hotel during a country musical festival. Though his actions and reasonings behind the awful act were never fully determined, the devastating impact that was implemented within the nation due to the horrendous shooting remained. The Washington Post writers and editors reinstate the fact that, after 59 people were murdered and over 500 injured, this incident became “the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history” (Bui et al.). Like many of the other events over the years, there have been several factors that are continuously in effect when examining these social issues. Grunlan and his colleagues elaborate on some of these societal studies in his text on Christian Perspectives. When evaluating the context of social groups, issues, events, and overall collective culture, God’s Word also demonstrates an excessive amount of key illustrations that provide us with how groups function, work, connect, and even disengage with one another.

What is Sociology? (a Definition)

How does one define sociology? Sociology, as defined by Google, is “the study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society” (Google). Grunlan and company are able to simplify this description by stating that sociology is “the scientific study of human social behavior” (p. 12). The term sociology, that mankind has incorporated to understand this human concept, derives from the Greek, Latin, and French vocabularies. “Socio-,” which comes from the Latin “socius,” means companion(s) (that is, a beginner form of human interaction between two or more individuals). The term “-logy,” or “-ology,” of course comes from its Greek and French roots “-logia” and “-logie” which all indicate a study on a subject of interest. Grunlan’s explanation seems a lot more fitting as it relates to a more direct and personal concept. Although the functions, structures, and developments of a culture are all fundamental aspects to sociology, defining it as a research or analysis of human behaviors helps us to understand that there is a significant connection that occurs between multiple people. The interactions of individuals that transpire through personal and emotional behaviors are what truly define a study of humanity, seeing as God has created man to be fully relational.

While analyzing the social situation that occurred during the early morning hours on October 1st in Las Vegas, how might one evaluate those circumstances as a sociologist? Below are some prime factors that were present throughout the national event:

• An initial reaction. As Stephen Paddock opened fire, the societal chain-reaction began. This reaction was initiated due to the sight, sound, and commotion of people in terror. Once an individual begins, the group reacts in a common pattern.
• Similar emotions. An event such as the Las Vegas shooting allows for emotions such as fear, worry, anxiety, sadness, and overall depression. In most cases, groups who undergo such events together share in emotions collectively.
• The collective need for help. The apostle Paul verifies this factor in his letter to the Romans when he states to “mourn with those who mourn” (Rom. 12:15b). As an individual within a group falls, struggles, or cries out through pains and sufferings, the group will almost always act in mourning together collectively.
• Aid from other groups. The bigger the cry, the more groups will come to assist. As individuals undergo collective events and tragedies together, the more society realizes that addition hands are needed for the aid and support of fallen brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers (etc.).
• A collective reconstruction. After the shooting had subsided, the societal reconstruction began. Prayers, condolences, encouragement, therapies, law, government, and other collective, social support commenced as a means to reestablish the city of Las Vegas in a positive way.

All of the factors listed ensure some of the key points that Grunlan and his colleagues record within the Christian Perspectives. The learned behaviors, which are obtained through trial and error, observation, instruction, guidance, patience, and practice, were initiated as a societal and cultural reality in light of the 2017 massacre. As individuals reacted, felt, cried out, assisted, and encouraged, people learned and adapted through varying groups in their own ways to the national situation that had commenced. The language that was implemented had also been effective when attempting to overcome the societal issue. Although their literal language may have been obstructed, people from different backgrounds and diversities were able to communicate through the emotions, signals, and other signs used in order to maintain social stability during the national emergency.

Examples from the Social Master (Biblical Perspective)

Photo credit from The Potter’s House Church.

The shooting that occurred in Las Vegas created increased amounts of negative emotions and ultimate concern for the future. It is interesting to note however the reality of previous social events and calamities that other groups also had to experience. What is even more interesting is that, as a sociologist, one has the opportunity to discover the significant steps and changes that were initiated by an individual who solved a number of issues within social groups: Jesus Christ. The Son of God, who is the Social Master, walked this earth with many as emphasized throughout Scripture. Even during his times of solitude, his thoughts and prayers that were directed to the Father were always focused on the encouragement, empowerment, support, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding for the collective people.

As we evaluate Christ’s behavior and ultimate example in collective renewal for the culture, it is important to grasp his three main societal goals:

1. His love for the world — This is not the type of “love for the world” that is referred to in the later epistles (Rom. 12:2; James 4:4; I Jn. 2:15–17). On the contrary, it is a love for all people of the world. Although the enemy continues to linger and divide individuals, groups, and cultures through sin, Christ’s love continues to abolish those attacks for the purpose of transforming and restoring society (Matt. 22:37–39; Jn. 15:9–17; Rom. 5:8; I Jn. 4:19).
2. His service to many — As we act upon Jesus’ examples for social collectivism, the most prominent factor that resides within this goal is the demonstration of love through service. The Son of the Most High came to this earth, not to be served, “but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28). One’s service to other individuals ultimately proves its own service to God (Josh. 22:5; Jn. 12:26; Rom. 12:1, 9–13; Gal. 5:13; Heb. 6:10).
3. His investment in few — We as a collective people must also acknowledge the fact that it is impossible for us to work through and fix every societal issue within the world. However, we are called to encourage, support, and strengthen those to whom we can. Although Christ engaged with a number of social groups (the sick, wealthy, sinners, Pharisees, government etc.), his investment in the twelve disciples proved to be a more substantial benefit for society. As the disciples learned from Christ’s method and gained spiritual stability, they branched out into the world, while adapting to their leader’s methods, for the greater good (Matt. 28:16–20; Mark 3:7–19; John. 15:1–8).

Photo credit from Los Angeles Southwest College.

Sociology, the study of social human behavior, is a very broad, yet complex science. It takes patience, practice, and perseverance to understand its vast spectrum. However, and more importantly, it also takes a Biblical knowledge and acceptance to gain an even deeper understanding of its context. Without the Christian principles and Biblical foundation, the social institutions (economics, education, family, politics, and religion) may never be fully understood. As individuals expand in their endeavors to research, analyze, and evaluate societal and cultural groups, they must keep in mind the vital realities of human sinfulness and Christ’s achievements within society. Individuals who do so will certainly grasp a much deeper, and intricate concept of social reality as they aim to answer the questions and provide social stability like the Social Master.

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Bui, Lynh, et al., editors. “At least 59 killed in Las Vegas shooting rampage, more than 500 others injured.” Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2017, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/10/02/police-shut-down-part-of-las-vegas-strip-due-to-shooting/?utm_term=.cf47504ac480.

Grunlan, Stephen A. Christian Perspectives on Sociology. Wipf and Stock Publishers, 1982.

The Holy Bible. New International Version, Zondervan, 2011.

US & Canada. “Las Vegas shooting survivors talk about trauma and flashbacks.” BBC, 5 Nov. 2017, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41792276.

Yan, Holly, et al., editors. “Las Vegas shooting: Bodycam footage shows first response.” CNN, 7 Oct. 2017, http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/03/us/las-vegas-shooting-investigation/index.html.