Dogmagenic Disorders: A Clinical Sociological Theory and Taxonomy of Pathological Religion

by Joshua D Reichard

242 pages, Paperback

Published June 11, 2026

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The entire point of sociological maturity is to live within our chosen canopy while never forgetting that we are its co-creators. It is only by maintaining this stance of critical distance and creative engagement that we avoid the trap of reification, where social constructions masquerade as inviolable truths, and instead canopies that are breathable, porous, and genuinely human. The courage to see even our most cherished perspectives as human-made, and the capacity for ecstasy to step outside them, is what ensures the health and vitality of our nomos in a pluralistic world.” | Dogmagenic Disorders was challenging, thoughtful, and practical. I appreciated the formatting of the book to intertwine both narrative and a clinical guide. As a teacher of the discipline, I find that sociology can often ere towards a deconstructive perspective on religious belief, leaving individuals with faith to sense that they must choose either sociology or theology, but cannot “have both.” Reichard does an excellent job writing a sociological, academic, research-informed text that still provides space for religious belief to carry purpose, meaning, and transcendence in the human experience. This is not a theological text, but it is a thoughtful sociological one. If you have an interest in the sociology of religion, healthy and unhealthy expressions of religious groups, or how to better express your own faith beliefs in a pluralistic world, I highly suggest this book!