Chapter 13 Religion

Chapter Outline The Nature of Religion Magic Major Types of Religion A Sociological Approach to Religion Organization of Religious Life Aspects of American Religion Major Religions in the United States

The Nature of Religion Religion: A system of beliefs, practices, and values shared by a group of people. Defines the sacred. Helps explain life. Offers salvation from the problems of human existence.

The Elements of Religion All religions contain certain shared elements: Ritual and prayer Emotion Belief Organization

Magic Magic is an active attempt to coerce spirits or to control supernatural forces. Magic is used to manipulate and control matters that seem to be beyond human control and that may involve danger and uncertainty. In most instances, religion serves to unify a group of believers, whereas magic is designed to help the individual who uses it. Mana is a diffuse, nonpersonalized force that acts through anything that lives or moves.

Four Major Types of Religions Supernaturalism - Postulates the existence of nonpersonalized supernatural forces that can influence human events. Animism - The belief in inanimate, personalized spirits or ghosts of ancestors that actively work to influence human affairs.

Four Major Types of Religions Theism - The belief in divine beings—gods and goddesses—who shape human affairs. Abstract ideals - Focus on the achievement of personal awareness and a higher state of consciousness through correct ways of thinking and behaving, rather than by manipulating spirits or worshipping gods.

Question In animistic religions, shamans are able to cure illness because they: use powerful medicines. manipulate the populace to believe in their power. have developed a working knowledge of natural medicines. have a special relationship with the spirits that cause illness.

Answer: D In animistic religions, shamans are able to cure illness because they have a special relationship with the spirits that cause illness.

Major Religions of the World—2000 Number % of Total Christians 1,999,564,000 33 Roman Catholic 1,057,328,000 17.5 Protestants 342,002,000 5.6 Orthodox 215,129,000 3.7 Anglican 79,650,000 1.3 Unaffiliated Christians 111,125,000 1.8

Major Religions of the World—2000 Number % of Total Baha’ 7,106,000 0.1 Buddhists 353,794,000 6.0 Chinese folk-religionists 359,982,000 5.9 Ethnic religionists 228,367,000 3.8

Major Religions of the World—2000 Number % of Total Muslims 1,188,243,000 19.6 Hindus 811,336,000 13.3 Jews 14,434,000 0.2 Sikhs 23,258,000 0.4 Nonreligious 768,159,000 12.7 Atheists 150,090,000 2.5

Question What is your current religious affiliation? Protestant Catholic Jewish None Other

Polytheism Belief in a number of gods. Each god or goddess usually has particular spheres of influence such as childbirth, rain, or war. There is generally one who is more powerful than the rest and oversees the others’ activities.

Monotheism Judaism Christianity Islam The belief in the existence of a single god. Three religions are known to be monotheistic: Judaism Christianity Islam

The Functionalist Perspective Four categories of religious function: Satisfying individual needs. Promoting social cohesion. Providing a worldview. Helping to adapt to society.

Society, Religion, and the Individual: A Functionalist View

Question Do you believe that the Bible is the actual word of God, to be taken literally word for word? Yes No

The Conflict Theory Perspective Marx saw religion as a tool the upper classes used to dominate the lower classes. The lower classes were distracted from social change by the promise of happiness through religion. They would receive their reward in heaven, and so had no reason to improve their condition in this world.

Organization of Religious Life Universal church Includes all the members of a society within one united moral community.  Ecclesia A church that shares the same ethical system as the secular society and has come to represent and promote the interest of the society at large.

Organization of Religious Life Denomination Tends to limit its membership to a particular class, ethnic group, or religious group, or at least to have its leadership positions dominated by members of such a group. Sect A small group that adheres strictly to religious doctrine that often includes unconventional beliefs or forms of worship.

Millenarian Movements Typically prophesy the end of the world, the destruction of all evil people and their works, and the saving of the just.

Question Which of the following is not a denomination? Judaism Catholicism Lutheranism Hinduism

Answer: D Hinduism is not a denomination.

Question How do sects differ from denominations? Sects are more tolerant of other religious groups. Sects participate less in secular society. They have beliefs that are more conventional. All of these choices are correct.

Answer: B Sects differ from denominations in that they participate less in secular society.

American Religiosity People in the United States Are: Too Religious Not Religious Enough United States 21 58 France 61 26 Netherlands 57 25 Great Britain 39 28 Germany 31 Canada 35 38

American Religiosity People in the United States Are: Too Religious Not Religious Enough India 32 57 Spain 31 40 Russia 27 38 Poland 6 56 Jordan * 95

Question How important would you say religion is in your own life? Very important Fairly important Not very important No opinion

Percentage Who Believe In American Believers Category Percentage Who Believe In God 92% Heaven 85 Miracles 82 Angels 78 Hell 74 The Devil 71 Ghosts 34 Witches 24