(from: http://anthro.palomar.edu/culture/culture_1.htm) Religion (from: http://anthro.palomar.edu/culture/culture_1.htm)

What is Religion? Religion: is a system of beliefs usually involving the worship of supernatural forces or a supernatural being It provides order and meaning in an otherwise seemingly chaotic universe and explains the inexplicable

Rituals in Religion Rituals are stylized and repetitive acts that take place in a set time and location Involve use of symbolic objects and words and actions E.g.: going to church on Sunday

E.g.: partaking in the host Most religious rituals are performed in a special placer and under special circumstances (e.g.: a temple) Intentionally separates the secular from the sacred and enhances the ritual Likewise, only allowing the initiated to participate has an enhancing effect Rituals reinforce the basic principles or beliefs of the religion E.g.: partaking in the host

Non-religious Rituals Not all rituals are religious E.g.: brushing your teeth Nonetheless, the good feeling one gets from practicing the ritual reinforces the continuation of it, just like religious practices Political ideologies have rituals that can be important for people They include symbolic political objects and acts E.g.: national anthem

Psychological and Social Function of Religion Religion fulfills psychological needs Help us confront and explain death Relieve our fears and anxieties about the unknown People may appeal to the supernatural in times of crisis both personal and otherwise

Religion also provides divinely given moral codes by with to live by Most rites of passage have religious elements in order for people to adjust to life changes Religion also provides divinely given moral codes by with to live by This can lift some burden in moral decision making in difficult times and provide psychological relief

Religion also fulfills social needs Religion reinforces social homogeneity and provides a basis for common purpose and values that can maintain social solidarity

Provides social control by defining what is right and wrong behaviour If individuals do the right thing they earn the approval of the gods and may suffer supernatural retribution if they do the wrong thing E.g.: the Koran not only provides detailed lists of specific crimes but also has descriptions of how to do everyday tasks like eating specific types of food The sacred texts usually provide the precedents of proper behaviour in common situations

Common Elements of Religion Usually, beliefs in supernatural beings and forces fall into one of five categories Animatism Animism Ancestral spirits Gods or goddesses Minor supernatural beings