Introduction: Why Write a Sociology of Canon Law?.- Canon Law Studies—A Theological Discipline.- Employing Juridical Methodology.- Employing Sociological Methodology.- How to Approach a Sociology of Canon Law.- The Sociological View of the Law.- The Law through a Sociological Lens.- A Sociological Focus on Canon Law.- The Functions of the Law.- Law and the Order of the Social.- Law and the Resolution of Conflicts.- The Validity of Positive Law.- Modern Law as Positive Law.- Law Derived from Power, Power Derived from the Law.- Characteristics of Positive Law.- The Validity of the Law and the Issue of Legitimacy.- A Sociological View on Validity Issues.- Accepting Canon Law?.- The Effectiveness of the Law.- Effectiveness and Compliance.- Preconditions of Compliance.- The Connection of the Effectiveness and Validity of the Law.- Résumé.- An Outlook for Further Studies.- Summary of the Book (in Theses).