Religion JENNIFER L. FACKLER, M.A.

Definitions & Background

Introduction Religion – the social institution involving beliefs and practices based upon a conception of the sacred Emile Durkheim: religion focuses on things that surpass the limits of our own knowledge  Profane – “outside the temple”; ordinary elements of everyday life  Ex: Anything NOT sacred such as your computer, chair, jeans, etc.  Sacred – that which is extraordinary, inspiring awe, reverence, & even fear  Ex: Church, Holy Book, Religious Vessels, Cross, etc. Ritual – formal, ceremonial behavior Faith - belief anchored in conviction rather than scientific evidence Sociology  interested in the consequences of religious belief rather than a direct critique of the belief systems.

Types of Religious Organizations

Religious Organizations Church – organization that is well integrated into society  State Church – formally allied with the state  Denomination – independent of the state and pluralistic  Ex: Protestant Sect – a type of religious organization that stands apart from the larger society  Leaders sometimes have charisma – extraordinary personal qualities that can turn an audience into followers.  Ex: Branch Davidians Cult – religious organizations that are substantially outside a society’s cultural traditions  Ex: Satanists

Religion in History

History of Religion In preindustrial societies…  Rituals practiced 40,000 years ago.  Embraced “animism.”  Elements of the natural world are conscious life forms that affect humanity.  No full-time religious leaders. In industrial societies…  Science has often replaced religion as a source of explaining “how” things happen.  Science is silent when it comes to answering “why” we and the rest of the universe exists.  Often these two belief system are at odds with one another.

Religion in the US

Religious Commitment Religiosity - refers to importance of religion in a person’s life Types:  Experiential: Emotional Ties  Ritualistic: Frequency of Activities  Ideological: Degree of Belief in Doctrine  Consequential: Tie Into Daily Activities  Intellectual: Knowledge of Religion

Religiosity in Global Perspective Religion is stronger in the U.S. than in many other nations. Source: World Values Survey (2006)

Religion: Class, Ethnicity & Race Social Class (Predictions?) Social Class  High Achievement: Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and United Church of Christ Congregations  Moderate Achievement: Methodists and Catholics  Lower Achievement: Baptists, Lutherans, and Sect Members  Jewish people tend to be represented among the higher achievers due to stress on education and achievement.  Religiosity Among College Students Religiosity Among College Students Race and Ethnicity  Many religions are tied to specific regions and societies in America.  Examples: Irish Catholics, Anglo-Saxon Protestants, Greek Orthodox, Russian Jews

Religious Membership across the United States

Religious Diversity across the United States

Religion in a Changing Society

Changes in Religion Changing Affiliation – membership in established, mainstream churches has fallen but other religious categories have increased in popularity  Has created an active and competitive marketplace of religious organizations in the US. Secularization – historical decline in the importance of the supernatural and the sacred Secularization  Religion isn’t going away, but rather some features are in decline.  Hotly debated!  Measurement Issues  Church Attendance vs. Fundamentalism

Changes in Religion Religious Revival  New age spirituality flourishes while membership in mainstream churches dwindles.  Interests Increases in Fundamentalism – a conservative religious dogma that opposes intellectualism and worldly accommodation in favor of traditional otherworldly religion “New Age” Seekers: Spirituality, NOT Religion  Some think we are becoming a “postdenominational society” since people are increasingly seeking spiritual development outside of established religious organizations.  Characteristics of Seekers:  Believe in a higher power.-Believe we’re all connected.  Believe in as spirit world.-Pursue transcendence.  Want to experience the spirit world.

Fundamentalism Interprets sacred texts literally. Rejects religious pluralism.  Tolerance and relativism water down personal faith. Pursues the personal experience of God’s presence.  Personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Opposes “secular humanism.”  Accommodation to the changing world undermines religious conviction.  We should look to God, not Science, for advice on how to live. Endorses conservative political goals.

Additional Topics Electronic Churches – there are a number of churches that exist entirely in the virtual world; many “regular” churches are also building an online presence Mega Churches – huge churches (such as Joel Osteen’s Lakeview in Houston) are becoming more prevalent and more popular Religious Violence – religion has a strong and persistent link with violence because of its power to motivate and inspire people; conflict based on religion is particularly terrifying and destructive because it is often framed as a “cosmic battle” between good and evil

Theoretical Analysis of Religion

S-F Analysis of Religion According to Durkheim religion has 3 major functions:religion has 3 major functions  1. Social Cohesion – unites people through shared symbols, values, and norms  Totem – an object in the natural world collectively defined as sacred  2. Social Control – the use of religious symbols and language to control human behavior has always been with us  3. Providing Meaning & Purpose – personal spirituality allows humans to pass through tough times without total collapse

S-C Analysis of Religion Religion serves the ruling elites by legitimizing the status quo and diverting people’s attention from social inequities.  Focuses on the “better world to come.”  Marx called it the “opiate of the masses.” (False Consciousness)opiate of the masses.”

S-I Analysis of Religion Religion is socially constructed (although perhaps with divine inspiration). Through rituals like prayers, fasts, and observances we sharpen the distinction between the sacred and the profane.

Theoretical Analysis of Religion

Religion: Looking Ahead

Looking Ahead Religion has always been a part of society, but is ever-changing and varies across time and place. There are many types of religions found throughout the world today. Sociologists explain religion in a variety of ways. Questions?

REVIEW ON YOUR OWN IF YOU’RE INTERESTED. Religions of the World

Western Religions

Christianity 2B Followers 85% of Americans & Canadians  Western Europe? Christianity began as a cult. It is monotheistic (one god). Jesus Christ is the central figure as both man on earth and the son of God. Preaches personal salvation. Many splits from original form of Roman Catholicism.

Sociology, Eleventh Edition Global Map 19-1 (p. 507) Christianity in Global Perspective Source: Peters Atlas of the World (1990).

Islam 1.2B Followers Not all Muslims are Arabs.  The Middle-East, Asia, & parts of Africa are Islamic-centered. Islam is the word of God as revealed to the prophet Muhammad, born in Mecca around 570. The Qur’an urges submission to God (Allah) as the path to inner peace. Five pillars of Islam:  Recognize Allah as the true god.  Ritual prayer.  Giving of alms to the poor.  Fasting during Ramadan.  Making the once in a lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca. Religion and Violence?

Sociology, Eleventh Edition Global Map 19-2 (p. 507) Islam in Global Perspective Source: Peters Atlas of the World (1990).

Judaism 15M Followers National majority only in Israel. Jews believe that a covenant exists between God and God’s chosen people (them). The Torah emphasizes moral behavior in the world. Denominations:  Orthodox Jews are very traditional.  Reform Judaism is more church-like.  Conservative Judaism acts to bridge the first two belief systems. Anti-Semitism - prejudice and discrimination against Jewish people

Eastern Religions

Hinduism The oldest of all world religions. More than 800M Followers Found mostly in India and Africa. No sacred writings like the Bible. Principles:  Dharma refers to correct living.  Karma refers to belief in spiritual progress through reincarnation.  Nirvana represents spiritual perfection and a release from the cycle of rebirth.

Sociology, Eleventh Edition Global Map 19-3 (p. 510) Hinduism in Global Perspective Source: Peters Atlas of the World (1990).

Buddhism 350M Followers Almost all Asians. Resembles Hinduism in doctrine and Christianity due to its ties to the life of one individual.  Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha)  Achieved “bodhi” or enlightenment, thus became the buddha. No “god of judgment,” but daily action has its consequences.

Sociology, Eleventh Edition Global Map 19-4 (p. 510) Buddhism in Global Perspective Source: Peters Atlas of the World (1990).

Confucianism 100K Followers in North America Prior to the 1949 revolution, it was an ecclesia -- the official religion of China. More a way of disciplined living than a religion.