I was fascinated by this review of Christian Smith’s new book, The Sacred Project of American Sociology (HT First Thoughts). Smith apparently argues that not only is sociology failing as a science – no surprise there – but that it is in fact a “sacred project”:

American sociology as a collective enterprise is at heart committed to the visionary project of realizing the emancipation, equality, and moral affirmation of all human beings as autonomous, self-directing, individual agents (who should be) out to live their lives as they personally so desire, by constructing their own favored identities, entering and exiting relationships as they choose, and equally enjoying the gratification of experimental, material, and bodily pleasures.

And I immediately thought: “Yes, but will this book tell us anything Allan Bloom hasn’t already told us in The Closing of The American Mind?” I’m re-reading that book now after a long absence, and was very surprised to be reminded of the central importance of Max Weber as one of the chief villains in Bloom’s narrative. It’s a very plausible version of events. At any rate, I hope I can find time to sit down with Smith’s book.

Meanwhile, in sociology news, I am very bullish on Peter Berger’s new book The Many Altars of Modernity. My review should be out soon. I think this book has the potential to be at least as revolutionary as The Sacred Canopy, and that’s saying a fair bit. Stay tuned.