Sociology of Religion

Religion  Societies struggle with questions like, why do we live? Why do we die? – the need for meaning in the human life  To do this these societies form a distinction between the sacred and the profane.  Sacred – anything that is considered to be part of the supernatural world and that inspires awe, respect, and reverence.  Profane – anything considered to be part of the ordinary world and is commonplace/familiar  Religion – the system of roles and norms that is organized around the sacred realm and that binds people together in social groups.

Functions of Religion  Social Cohesion – the strengthening of bonds between people  Creates a sense of belonging  Social Control – Encouraging conformity to the norms of society (religious morals)  Social rules and government laws may spring from religious beliefs  Emotional Support – Provides comfort for individuals during times of difficulty  Helps to endure disappointment and suffering

Belief Systems  Animism – Spirits are active in influencing human life but not worshipped. Rituals thank or win spirit’s good will.  Shamanism – Spirits communicate with one person, the Shaman, who can heal the sick, predict the future  Totemism – Kinship between humans and animals/natural objects known as totems - Kalima - Indiana Jones and the Temple of DoomKalima - Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom  Theism – belief in god or gods. God is divine power worthy of worship.  Monotheism – belief in one god. (Christianity, Islam)  Polytheism – belief in multiple gods. (Hinduism, Greeks)Greeks)  Ethicalism – based on a set of marl principles with sacred quality  Involves mediation and purity of thought/action (Buddhism, Confucianism)

Organizational Structure  Ecclesia – type of religious society in which most people in the society are members by virtue of their birth  Essentially a state church and closely tied to the government  Denomination – A substantial number of the population are members (Presbyterian, Baptist)  Tend to be tolerant of other religious groups  Sect – small religious organization that typically has split off from a denomination because of a belief difference (Hassidic Jews)  Claim “exclusive” truth of religion and intolerant of other faiths  Cult – new religion whose beliefs and practices are different from those of the society’s major religions (Top Ten – Cults)Top Ten – Cults

Key Vocabulary  Sacred  Profane  Religion  Animism  Shamanism  Totemism  Theism  Monotheism  Polytheism  Ethicalism  Ecclesia  Denomination  Sect  Cult