Abstract

The development of Chilean sociology of religion has not been smooth. In order to survive at all it sometimes had to submit to being treated as an ''auxiliary science'' of theology and pastoral studies. Pluralist religious fields of study emerged when the socio-political transformations linked to military authoritarianism precipitated a decisive moment in highlighting the socio-political consequences of religious life, undermining the prejudices of lay elites against the renewal of a creole sociology of religion. The author sets out a comprehensive and unique overview of the sociology of religion in Chile, until recently considered as a scientific discipline.