The sociologist, of course, is not concerned with the truth or falsity of any given religion; s/he only takes an objective look at religion (its functions, social foundations, and social consequences.) He does not study religion per se, but the effect of religious beliefs and practices on the social and cultural systems, socialization process, and personality development. More specifically, the sociologist is concerned with the myriad ways in which society and religion interact, and with profound consequences for the individual. Briefly speaking, when dealing with religion, sociologists mainly try to understand how religions shape society and conversely, how the historical and contemporary social conditions shape religions. Thus, according to sociological approach, religion should primarily be taken a social rather than theological or psychological phenomenon.

In brief, when dealing with religion, the sociologist is concerned with:

• the effect of religious beliefs and practices on the social and cultural systems, socialization process, and personality development
• the myriad ways in which society and religion interact, and with profound consequences for the individual
• how religions shape society and conversely
• how the historical and contemporary social conditions shape religions

As also understood from the information given, the correct answer is D. The sociologist is not concerned with the truth or falsity of any given religion; s/he only takes an objective look at religion (its functions, social foundations, and social consequences).