Catholic Social Science Review

Volume 8, 2003

Sociology and Faith
The Witness of Paul Hanly Furfey

Msgr. Paul Hanly Furfey in 1940 proposed a "supernatural sociology". Since sociology is the study of human society, and since the understanding of human society cannot be adequately achieved on the basis of statistical analyzes alone, Furfey points out the need for knowing about the nature of man and the purpose of his existence to understand a society. Through divine revelation we learn about sin and hell, justice and charity, grace and love. This broad definition of sociology seems due for a rebirth It a time when similar broad definitions of sociology are defended by feminists and homosexual and black liberationist sociologists.