Introduction
In this chapter you learned about the sociological meaning and functions of religion. In Western societies most people practice religion through some organizational structure, which is why the nature of religious organizations is an important component of the sociological study of religion. In this activity you will take a closer look at religious organizations.

Destination Title: Hartford Institute for Religious Research

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Directions
Start at the Hartford Institute for Religious Research Web site.

• Click on and read About the Field.
• In the menu on the left of the screen, scroll your mouse over Organizations. In the menu that appears, click on Study of Religious Orgs.
• Click on Studies of Congregations. From there, click on National Congregations Study. Click on and read the Page of Additional Information about the NCS.
• Scroll your mouse over Research Areas in the menu on the left of the screen. Click on Church Growth/Decline. Then click on Articles. Read the article titled "Mainline Churches: The Real Reason for Decline."

Use what you have learned to answer the following questions.