What sociological arguments can be marshalled to understand the role of religion in industrial society?

For many religious people, the sociological approach to religion is offensive, as it seems to question their deeply held beliefs. Sociologically, however, the truth or falsity of religious belief is irrelevant. What concerns us is the part religion plays in social life. Alternatively, when we realize the huge diversity of religious belief in the world, the sociology of knowledge makes us ask why any one set of beliefs should be regarded as superior to any other.
Religion involves beliefs that explain experiences by claiming that there is a supernatural or superhuman agency of some kind, often a god or gods. It also involves rituals to express these beliefs in public and private ceremonies of worship; it also provides a moral code to guide our everyday behaviour.
The classical sociologists all attached importance to the role of religion in society,
Karl Marx never made a detailed study of religion, but his views are clear and follow from his broad themes of dominant ideology, alienat...