The Sociology of Religion Chapter 14 Throughout every
- Slides: 32
The Sociology of Religion Chapter 14
�Throughout every time period and in every place humankind has lived, humans have searched for the answers to two questions; Why do we live and why do we die? Two Basic Questions
�Societies have struggled with the need to give meaning to human existence and to provide people with the motivation for survival. �According to Emile Durkheim, all societies have attempted to satisfy these needs by making sharp distinction between the sacred and the profane. Durkheim
�The sacred is anything that is considered to be part of the supernatural world that inspires awe, respect, and reverence. �The profane is anything considered to be part of the ordinary world and, thus, commonplace and familiar. Sacred and Profane
�The distinction between the sacred and the profane is at the heart of all religions. �Religion is defined as a system of roles and norms that is organized around the sacred realm and that binds people together in social groups. Sacred and Profane
�Religion is a universal phenomenon… �However, the form that is takes may vary from society to society and may change within a single society over time. �Religion exists in many forms because different groups give sacred meaning to a wide variety of objects, events, and experiences. Religion
�According to sociologists, religion is a social creation. �Things take on sacred meaning only when they are socially defined as such by a group of believers. Religion- A Sociological Definition
�Things that are sacred in one culture may be profane in another. �Ex. cows in India or church wafers �Sociologists are not concerned with the truth or falseness of any religion. Rather, they focus on the social characteristics of religion and the consequences that religion has for society. Religion- A Sociological Definition
�Social Cohesion ◦ Religion strengthens the bonds among people. ◦ Participating in religious ceremonies and sharing beliefs create a sense of belonging, which can make people feel less alone. The Functions of Religion
◦ Durkheim’s suicide study found that rates of suicide were lower among people with strong attachments to religious groups. ◦ Conflict Theorists suggest that cohesion based in religion is not good in areas where more than one religion is practiced. ◦ Ex. Arabs v. Israelis or Muslims v. Hindus The Functions of Religion
�Social Control � Religion serves as an agent of social control by encouraging conformity to norms. � Religious followers believe in the sacredness of the Bible, the Torah, and the Qur’an as a means of giving people social conformity. The Functions of Religion
�Emotional Support �Religion provides emotional support for people during difficult times. �Religion helps people endure disappointment and suffering by providing a comfort in believing that harsh circumstances have a special purpose. The Functions of Religion
�Religion also attempts to provide answers to the ultimate questions concerning life and death. �These answers lend strength and calm to people as they approach the unknown and the unexpected. The Functions of Religion
�Conflict sociologists argue that emotional support lent by religion may block social and political change. �Religion encourages people to accept their social conditions because rewards await them in the spiritual life. �“to forget the hardships of their daily lives, people turn to religion and its promise of rewards in the afterlife” – Karl Marx The Functions of Religion
�Although religion exists in varied forms around the world, all religions contain certain basic elements. �Among these elements are rituals and symbols, belief systems, and organizational structures. The Nature of Religion
�In religious terms, a ritual is defined as an established pattern of behavior through which a group of believers experiences the sacred. �Ritualistic behavior is part of every religion. �Baptisms, weddings, funerals are usually conducted in sacred places by persons acknowledged as religious leaders. Rituals and Symbols
�Some rituals involve asking for divine intervention in human affairs. �Some rituals focus on giving thanks to divine beings for benefits that believers have received. �Particular clothing, herbs, chalices, crosses, books are often used only in special places on special days. Types of Rituals
�Belief systems vary around the world, but can be placed into three basic types; �Animism �Theism �Ethicalism Belief Systems
�Animism- The belief that spirits actively influence human life. �Animals, plants, rivers, mountains, and wind are believed to contain spirits. �These things are not worshipped, but they are seen as supernatural forces that can be used to human advantage. Belief Systems
�One form of animism is known as shamanism, in which the spirits only communicate with one member of a group called a shaman. �Another type of animism, called totemism involves a belief in kinship between humans and animals or natural objects. Belief Systems
�Theism- The belief in god or gods. �The god is considered a divine power worthy of worship. �Monotheism- Belief in one god ◦ Judaism, Christianity, and Islam �Polytheism- Belief in a number of gods ◦ Hinduism Belief Systems
�Ethicalism- Based on the idea that moral principles have a sacred quality. �Based on truth, honor, and tolerance that serve as a guide to a righteous life. �Mostly in Asia…Confucianism, Buddhism, Shintoism Belief Systems
�Organizational Structures �Categorized into four types; �Ecclesia �Denominations �Sects �Cults Belief Systems
�Ecclesia- Religious organization in which most people in the society are members by virtue of their birth. �A state church, closely allied with the government. �Does not tolerate religious differences and membership is often law. ◦ Fundamentalist Islam in Iran Organizational Structures
�Denomination- A well-established religious organization where a substantial number of the population are members. �Presbyterian and Baptist churches. �Trained officials and bureaucratic structure. �Tolerant to differing beliefs and welcome converts. Organizational Structures
�Sect- A relatively small religious organization that typically has split from a denomination due to differences in belief. �Jehovah’s Witnesses and Hassidic Jews. �Often intolerant of other faiths. �Opposed to the existing power structure of their faith. Organizational Structures
�Sects often encourage clapping, dancing, singing, and shouting during services. �Actively recruit new members. �Many sects are short-lived, but one sect, the Methodist Church, has become a denomination. Organizational Structure
�Cult- A new religion whose beliefs and practices differ markedly from those of the society’s major religions. �http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=r. D 9 b. C d. Hq. U 3 s&safety_mode=true&persist_safet y_mode=1&safe=active Organizational Structures
�U. S. has been a haven for religious freedom. �Because of that, the U. S. is home to 100’s of different denominations, sects, and cults. �Changing immigration patterns have added to the variety. �Separation of church and state in the U. S. , the government lacks the power to support or deny any religious beliefs. Religion in American Society
�Americans hold religion in high regard. �According to a public opinion survey, between 86% and 94% of Americans believe in God. �A 2001 survey found that 60% of Americans feel religion is very important to their lives. � 61% of people believe that religion can answer all or most of today’s problems. Religion in American Society
�Even though 90% say they believe in God, only 66% say they are affiliated with a religious organization. �Most people with affiliations are members of the Christian, Judaic, or Islamic faiths. �The largest religious organization in the U. S. is the Roman Catholic Church. Religious Affiliation
�Jewish people and Episcopalians tend to have higher educations and higher incomes. �Baptists and Methodists reside mainly in the South and Midwest. �The largest number of Jewish people and Catholics are found in large cities. �Republicans have traditionally been backed by Protestants whereas Democrats have been backed by Jewish people and Catholics. Religious Affiliation
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