The Geography of Religion

2 A. Introduction All societies have value system Christianity = largest world religion Islam is #2 & is quickly replacing Christianity

3 The Geography of Major World Religions Blue = Christianity Green = Islam Orange = Buddhism Purple = Hinduism Black = JudaismPink = Animism

4 B. Definition Religion – system of beliefs & practices that attempts to order life in terms of culturally perceived ultimate priorities

5 All religions consist of 3 things: 1. beliefs about the nature & character of supernatural powers (spirits) 2. mythologies/stories, which tell of these powers 3. rituals/practices, intended to influence or direct these powers for benefit of the group

6 C. Classification of Religions Monotheism - Belief in one god Polytheism - Belief in many gods Theists - there is a god; “Knowers” Atheist - there is no god Agnostics - “Not knowers”; Don’t know or chooses not to define dogmatically

7 D. Distribution of Religions 1.Universalizing Religions Christianity Islam Buddhism 2.Ethnic Religions Hinduism Judaism Shintoism 3.Tribal Religions Voodoo Animism Shamanism

8 D1. Universalizing Religions Faiths claim applicability to all & seek to convert through missionary work Membership is open, but one makes symbolic commitment (ex. = baptism) Tend to be expansionary, carrying message to new people/areas 

9 D2. Ethnic Religions Closed membership, either born into religion or becomes adopted (isn’t easy) Don’t try to convert Part of culture If one is part of the faith they are part of the culture Tend to be regionally confined

10 D3. Tribal Religion Special forms of ethnic religions, that are small, and have close ties to nature Belief that life exists in all objects Tend to contract spatially as they are converted to other faiths Usually found among people not yet fully absorbed into modern culture

11 Percentage of People Practicing Religions Around the World

12 E. Diffusion of Religions Diffusion of universalizing religions –Relocation, hierarchical, contagious, expansion – 3 main ones (universalizing religions) diffused widely from hearths Lack of diffusion of ethnic religions Virtually NO diffusion of tribal religions

13 Spatial Diffusion of Islam: contagious? relocation? hierarchical?

14 F. Secularism vs. Fundamentalism Religion differs everywhere –spatially & between churches Secularism –Indifference to or rejection of religion or religious belief Informal secularism –Claim to be religious, but don’t go to church regularly

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16 Fundamentalism -- Belief in strict adherence to specific set of theological doctrines typically in reaction against the perceived modern heresies of secularism -- A return to the “fundamentals” of the religion

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