Sociology of Religion Religious universals Religious universals –Churches, Sects and Cults Religion in the world today Religion in the world today –Why is the U.S. so religious in comparison to other developed societies? –Sex Differences Why do people join a religion? Why do people join a religion? –Religious capital –Social networks Effects of religion Effects of religion –The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism –Does religion make you happier? –Does religion make you healthier? –Religion and violence

Religious universals Religion is found in all human societies Religion is found in all human societies In simple societies, religions tend to be polytheistic In simple societies, religions tend to be polytheistic –have many gods, spirits or other supernatural beings

The spirit No Face meets a young girl in the Japanese movie “Spirited Away.” Beliefs in spirits are common in pre-industrial societies.

In more developed societies, religions tend to be monotheistic In more developed societies, religions tend to be monotheistic –Have beliefs in one god or spirit –Religion in agrarian societies tends to be monotheistic –Islam, Judaism and Christianity are products of agrarian societies

In more developed societies, religion is more complex and is often bureaucratized In more developed societies, religion is more complex and is often bureaucratized There are hierarchies of priests or religious leaders There are hierarchies of priests or religious leaders

Most religions are characterized by the four “Ms” Most religions are characterized by the four “Ms” –Magic –Membership –Morality –Mysticism

Magic This refers to beliefs in spirits and gods who intervene in human affairs. This refers to beliefs in spirits and gods who intervene in human affairs.

Membership A religion requires participation in the rituals of the religion e.g. attending and/or participating in ceremonies, services A religion requires participation in the rituals of the religion e.g. attending and/or participating in ceremonies, services

Morality To be a part of a religion requires following certain rules about behavior To be a part of a religion requires following certain rules about behavior

Mysticism All religions involve mysticism to some extent All religions involve mysticism to some extent Mysticism is contact with the divine Mysticism is contact with the divine

Churches, sects and cults Churches are established religious organizations of a society Churches are established religious organizations of a society Sects are more informal religious organizations that are still part of the mainstream religion Sects are more informal religious organizations that are still part of the mainstream religion –stress the emotional content of religion Cults are new religious movements Cults are new religious movements

Members of the polygamist sect, Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS), leave a courthouse. These women were residents of the Yearning for Zion Ranch in Eldorado County, Texas.

Many religions start out as cults or sects, but end up as churches Many religions start out as cults or sects, but end up as churches –E.g. Christianity – began as a sect of Judaism, became a cult in Rome, and now is a mainstream church in many societies.

Secularization hypothesis The secularization hypothesis suggests that as societies industrialize and become more complex, religion diminishes in importance. The secularization hypothesis suggests that as societies industrialize and become more complex, religion diminishes in importance. Evidence that the hypothesis is correct Evidence that the hypothesis is correct

The U.S. is the most religious of the developed societies. The U.S. is the most religious of the developed societies. Vast majority of Americans also self identify themselves as religious Vast majority of Americans also self identify themselves as religious Few Americans (15%) say they have no religion Few Americans (15%) say they have no religion

Within the U.S., people are more religious in the south and the midwest Within the U.S., people are more religious in the south and the midwest People are less religious in New England and the Pacific Northwest. People are less religious in New England and the Pacific Northwest.

No religion population by state

Why is the U.S. so religious compared to other developed societies? One theory of why this is so is the “religious economies” theory One theory of why this is so is the “religious economies” theory Suggests that religion is strong in the U.S. because there are many competing religions. Suggests that religion is strong in the U.S. because there are many competing religions. Religions compete to meet people’s spiritual needs Religions compete to meet people’s spiritual needs

In European countries, there is usually a state-sponsored church that may not always offer what people want, so fewer people are religious In European countries, there is usually a state-sponsored church that may not always offer what people want, so fewer people are religious

Sex differences in religion Around the world, women are more likely than men to be religious. Around the world, women are more likely than men to be religious. Why is this so? Why is this so? One explanation is that men are more likely to take risks, and not being religious may be considered a “risk” One explanation is that men are more likely to take risks, and not being religious may be considered a “risk”

Why do people join a religion? One reason is because their families belong to the religion One reason is because their families belong to the religion –Often referred to as “religious capital” –People know people in the religion and are familiar with the doctrines, traditions, rituals etc. of the religion

Another reason is because people have friends who have already joined the religion Another reason is because people have friends who have already joined the religion –Social networks are an important way people join new religions

Effects of Religion In his essay “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism,” Weber argued that Protestantism was important for promoting the beginning the capitalism In his essay “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism,” Weber argued that Protestantism was important for promoting the beginning the capitalism Protestant behaviors such as hard work, thrift, honesty and the avoidance of luxury helped capitalism by promoting commerce and providing savings for investment. Protestant behaviors such as hard work, thrift, honesty and the avoidance of luxury helped capitalism by promoting commerce and providing savings for investment.

Religion and happiness Studies suggest that religious people are happier than non-religious people Studies suggest that religious people are happier than non-religious people

Religion and health Studies also suggest that religious people are healthier. Studies also suggest that religious people are healthier.

Religion and violence Throughout history, a great deal of violence has been perpetuated in the name of religion. Throughout history, a great deal of violence has been perpetuated in the name of religion. Does religion promote violence? Does religion promote violence? No – but some leaders have used religious beliefs to encourage violent behavior. No – but some leaders have used religious beliefs to encourage violent behavior.