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Exploring Religion: Sacred and Profane in Societal Norms

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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Exploring Religion: Sacred and Profane in Societal Norms

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  1. Chapter 14.2 Education &Religion

  2. Sacred • anything that is considered to be part of the supernatural world & that inspires awe, respect & reverence

  3. Profane • anything considered to be part of the ordinary world & thus, commonplace & familiar

  4. Religion • asystem of roles & norms that is organized around the sacred realm & that binds people together in social groups

  5. 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

  6. The Functions of Religion Social Cohesion, Social Control, Emotional Support

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. Emotional Support • helps people endure disappointment &suffering by providing a comfort in believing that harsh circumstances have a special purpose

  10. 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

  11. Belief Systems Animism, Shamanism, Totemism, Theism, Ethicalism

  12. Animism • belief that spirits actively influence human life • these forces not worshiped as gods

  13. Shamanism • belief that spirits communicate only with one person in the group • Shamans believed to be able to heal the sick &see the future

  14. Totemism • belief in kinship between humans &animals or natural objects • animals or objects thought to represent a family or clan &their ancestors

  15. Theism • belief in a god or gods • monotheism:belief in one god • Christianity, Judaism, Islam • polytheism:belief in many gods • Hinduism

  16. Ethicalism • based on the idea that moral principles have a sacred quality • Buddhism, Confucianism, Shintoism

  17. 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

  18. 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?

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