ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes dialectically the concept of the religious system itself. Through the kaleidoscopic lenses of the complementary social theories of Systems Theory, Field Theory and Network Theory a new dialectic methodological approach to religion emerges that is well-equipped to analyze its complexity. This is done by looking at the thematic concepts of communication, conflict and connectedness respectively. Systems Theory examines religion as communication and analyzes its systemic operation of complexity reduction and autopoiesis. Field Theory examines the role of agents in the religious field and their competition for symbolic capital through sectarian formations. Network theory in turn demonstrates the social dynamics of networks, and explores the different dimensions of connectedness in religious networks. It further provides contemporary examples of religious communication as experienced in religious minorities and in digital media.
