Definitions of Religion

Anthropological is the study of humans, past and present. To understand the full sweep and complexity of cultures across all of human history, anthropology draws and builds upon knowledge from the social and biological sciences as well as the humanities and physical sciences. (from American Anthropological Assoc. website)

Anthropological Edward Tylor (1832-1917) “Belief in the existence of a superhuman controlling power, especially of god or gods”  Saw religion as a way of explaining the unexplainable Links everything from magical to spiritual

Sociological "... a system of beliefs and practice by means of which a group of people struggle with the ultimate problems of human life.“ --from: Yinger, J.M. (1970). The Scientific Study of Religion.

Sociological Emile Durkheim (1818-1883) “A unified system of belief and practices which unite into one single moral community all those who adhere to them.”  Religion had been the cement of society, moving into an irreligious time, what would take it’s place? Or keep society from falling apart?

Phenomenological concerns the experiential aspect of religion, describing religious phenomena in terms consistent with the orientation of the worshippers. It views religion as being made up of different components, and studies these components across religious traditions so that an understanding of them can be gained—from Wikipedia website

Phenomenological Rudolph Otto 1869-1937  “Awe, fear, and fascination of the transcendent numinous –a power that suggests the presence of God.” Mysterium—Wholly other tremendum—absolute unapproachability fascinans--potent charm, attractiveness in spite of terror

Narrative Religion and mythology differ but have overlapping aspects. Both terms refer to systems of concepts that are of high importance to a certain community, making statements concerning the supernatural or sacred. Generally, mythology is considered one component or aspect of religion. Religion is the broader term: besides mythological aspects, it includes aspects of ritual, morality, theology, and mystical experience. Disconnected from its religious system, a myth may lose its immediate relevance to the community and evolve— away from sacred importance—into a legend or folktale.—from Wikipedia website

Narrative Joseph Campbell 1904-1987 “Myths are stories of our search through the ages for truth, for meaning, for significance.” The Hero’s Journey

4 Functions of Myth 1. [is] to evoke in the individual a sense of grateful, affirmative awe before the monstrous mystery that is existence 2. is to present an image of the cosmos, an image of the universe round about, that will maintain and elicit this experience of awe. [or] …to present an image of the cosmos that will maintain your sense of mystical awe and explain everything that you come into contact with in the universe around you. 3. is to validate and maintain a certain sociological system: a shared set of rights and wrongs, proprieties or improprieties, on which your particular social unit depends for its existence. 4. myth must carry the individual through the stages of his life, from birth through maturity through senility to death. The mythology must do so in accords with the social order of his group, the cosmos as understood by his group, and the monstrous mystery.

Chief Seattle