In sociology, the analysis of religion is mainly concerned with which aspect of social life and human behaviour?

Introduction / Context:
Sociology is the scientific study of society, groups, and social behaviour. When sociologists study religion, they are not acting as priests, theologians, or philosophers. Instead, they focus on how religion functions in society, influences behaviour, and shapes institutions. This question checks whether you can distinguish between a sociological perspective and a purely religious or philosophical perspective on religion.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The subject area is sociology, not theology or philosophy.
• The topic is the sociological analysis of religion.
• The options include ideas about ultimate truth, the will of God, and social patterns.
• We assume that sociology uses scientific and objective methods to examine religion as a social institution.

Concept / Approach:
Sociology treats religion as one of many social institutions, similar to family, education, and economy. The sociologist asks how religious beliefs and practices influence social cohesion, conflict, morality, and group identity. The key focus is on patterns of religious activity, such as rituals, attendance, religious organisations, and their impact on social life. Sociologists do not officially decide which religion is true or false and do not claim to know the will of God in their academic role.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the perspective is clearly sociological, which is empirical and value neutral. Step 2: Examine option A. Asking about the purpose of life is more philosophical and theological than sociological. Step 3: Examine option B. Deciding which religion is true or false is a matter of theology and personal belief, not a task for sociology. Step 4: Examine option C. Learning the will of God is again a spiritual or theological concern. Step 5: Examine option D. It talks about patterns of religious activity and effects on social life. This matches the empirical and analytical approach of sociology. Step 6: Therefore, the correct answer is that sociological analysis of religion is concerned with patterns of religious activity and their effect on social life.

Verification / Alternative check:
Think of classical sociologists like Emile Durkheim or Max Weber. Durkheim studied how religion promotes social solidarity and collective conscience. Weber studied how religious ideas influence economic behaviour, such as the link between Protestant ethics and the spirit of capitalism. In both cases, they examined social patterns and consequences, not the truth or falsity of specific beliefs. This confirms that option D reflects the sociological approach.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The purpose of life is a deep question, but in sociology it is analysed in terms of how groups define it, not in terms of absolute philosophical truth. Determining which religion is true or false involves value judgments that lie outside the neutral scope of scientific sociology. Learning the will of God belongs to theology and personal faith traditions, not to empirical social science.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to assume that any study of religion must be religious in nature. Students may forget that sociology, anthropology, and psychology can all study religion as an objective social phenomenon. Another pitfall is mixing up personal beliefs with academic analysis. In exams, always focus on what a sociologist would do: observe, measure, compare, and explain social patterns, leaving questions of spiritual truth to religious authorities and personal conscience.

Final Answer:
Sociological analysis of religion is mainly concerned with patterns of religious activity and their effect on social life.