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Discover the concept of religion as a social construct, its functions in society, belief systems, and organizational structures. From rituals to symbolisms, delve into the diverse world of sacred and profane practices that shape cultural identities and social cohesion.
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Chapter 14.2 Education &Religion
Sacred • anything that is considered to be part of the supernatural world & that inspires awe, respect & reverence
Profane • anything considered to be part of the ordinary world & thus, commonplace & familiar
Religion • asystem of roles & norms that is organized around the sacred realm & that binds people together in social groups
Religion: A Sociological Definition • according to sociologists, religion is a social creation • things only take on meaning when they are socially defined as such by a group of believers
The Functions of Religion Social Cohesion, Social Control, Emotional Support
Social Cohesion • strengthening of bonds among people • provides people with support &purpose • conflict theorists argue that this causes problems in societies with more than one practiced religion
Social Control • encourages conformity to the norms of society • may be used to maintain the traditional social order by presenting it as one demanded by the supreme being
Emotional Support • helps people endure disappointment &suffering by providing a comfort in believing that harsh circumstances have a special purpose
Rituals and Symbols • Ritual: an established pattern of behavior through which a group of believers experiences the sacred • Example:baptisms, weddings&funerals • often include sacred symbols • Example:clothing, herbs, crosses, books
Belief Systems Animism, Shamanism, Totemism, Theism, Ethicalism
Animism • belief that spirits actively influence human life • these forces not worshiped as gods
Shamanism • belief that spirits communicate only with one person in the group • Shamans believed to be able to heal the sick &see the future
Totemism • belief in kinship between humans &animals or natural objects • animals or objects thought to represent a family or clan &their ancestors
Theism • belief in a god or gods • monotheism:belief in one god • Christianity, Judaism, Islam • polytheism:belief in many gods • Hinduism
Ethicalism • based on the idea that moral principles have a sacred quality • Buddhism, Confucianism, Shintoism
Organizational Structures • Ecclesia:people are member by virtue of their birth • Denomination:substantial number of the population are members • Sect:small religious organization that typically has split off from a denomination • Cult:new religion whose beliefs &practices differ markedly from those of society’s major religions
Americans and Religion • Americans &Religion • Why do you think so many people who claim to be religious lack so much knowledge concerning their beliefs? • Do you think that abundant knowledge about your religion of preference is relevant/important? Why? • Bill Maher vs. Mike Huckabee • Thoughts?