This book examines the field and focus of the Sociology of Religion. With West Africa as the empirical base, the book provides examples of theories and substantive content of religion. It aids academic, specialist and intelligent laypersons to understand and appreciate how religion is intertwined with social, economic and cultural life. This second edition provides detailed discussion of topics such as secularization in West Africa, political use of Islam, the functions and dysfunctions of religious sects and cults, and the motivations for founding sects and cults.