Worlds Religions as a Social Institution

1. Worlds Religions as a Social Institution

2. History • Why do we live? • Why do we die? • Distinction between the sacred and the profane • Sacred • Anything that is part of the supernatural world and that inspires awe, respect, and reverence • Profane anything that is part of the ordinary world which is commonplace and familiar

3. Religion – A sociological Definition • Religion is a social creation. • Things take on sacred meaning only where they are socially defined as such by a group of believers • Focuses on the supernatural world and based on faith rather than science • Sociologists are not concerned with truth or facts just on the social characteristics of a religion and the consequences for society

4. Functions of Religion: Social Cohesion • Strengthening the bonds among people • Sense of belonging • Durkheim found that suicide rates were lower among those people who had strong attachments to religious groups • Serve as an anchor • Can go against society • Ex: religious wars like the tension between Hindus and Muslims in 1947. Partition of India into the creation of Pakistan • Muslims and Jews in the Middle East – Promise land

5. Functions cont… • Emotional Support -during difficult times in ones life -belief motivates people to survive even when things might seem hopeless • Can provide answers to life's ultimate questions • Conflict theorists: Emotional might block social and political change Karl Marx said “religion is the opium of the people” • Social Control -Encouraging conformity to the norms of society -religious writings -rituals such as confession and communion serve as an emotional release -Some say conformity might limit ones innovation, freedom, and social reform

6. Nature of Religion • Belief systems • 3 main types of belief systems • Animism – spirits are in everything • Theism – belief in a god or gods – mono and poly • Ethicalism – based on moral principles • Truth, honor, tolerance • Rituals and Symbols • Part of every religion • Often used to mark changes in status • Birth, marriage, death, baptisms • May involve asking for divine intervention • Using various materials to help in the ritual

7. Nature cont…Organized Structures • Ecclesia • People are members by birth. Closely allied with the govt. Does not tolerate differences. Exs: Islam in Iran • Denomination • A large number of the population are members Presbyterian, Baptist. More tolerant. Welcome newbies • Sects • Mostly small organization . Typically spilt off of a denomination b/c of differences. Exs: Jehovah’s witnesses. Intolerant to other faiths. Can be hostile • Cults • Beliefs differ greatly from society's major religions • Based on revelations or visions from a leader • Once in, people fully give themselves up to the cause and the cult • Ex: Heavens gate – Hale-Bopp comet aliens • Can be seen as odd groups with strange ideas

8. TIC TAC TOE Activity • Confucianism • Daoism/Taoism • Zoroastrianism • Jainism • Legalism • Wicca • Shintoism • Choose two of the following religions. IF there is a religion I have not listed and you want to choose it, you will need to get approval from me! • Hinduism • Buddhism • Judaism • Christianity • Catholicism • Islam