Religion and Society Religion can play several roles in society: – a unifying role: religion gives society a sense of unity, cohesiveness – a conservative role: religion encourages society to resist change – a revolutionary role: religion encourages society to embrace change – a prophetic role: religion serves as the conscience of society

Religion and Society Examples of the roles religion plays in society: – a unifying role: Buddhist/Taoist society: we see a unity of belief and business (shrines in shops, e.g.), belief and architecture (feng shui) – a conservative role: Islamic society: there is resistance to anything “western” – a revolutionary role: Catholicism in Poland: it played a big role in ending communist rule – a prophetic role: Christians in the U.K. (18th century): preachers spoke out against slavery, and the nation changed its policy

Religion and Society All religions have a “social dimension”: – Buddhism: “I take refuge in the Buddha” (the ideal life) “I take refuge in the Dharma” (teachings, doctrines) “I take refuge in the Sangha” (the community of monks) – Islam: the hadj to Mecca salat 5 times per day facing Mecca – Judaism: the weekly celebration of the Shabat the annual celebration of Pesach (Passover)

Religion and Society Is it possible to be “religious” without being a member of a “community of faith”? – Can one be a Christian, e.g., and never go to church, never celebrate Christmas or Easter with others? – What are some of the advantages of being religious “on your own”? – What are some of the disadvantages?

Religion and Society The Christian and “Christian Society” – “Christianity is a religion of the most profound inwardness…the crowd corrupts it!” (Kierkegaard) – There is some ambivalence here. Consider: the church did not exist in Jesus’ day, nor did he say much about it there are only 3 accounts of Jesus inside a Jewish temple – as a boy, to argue with the rabbis and elders – at the beginning of his public life, to read a bit of Scripture (he left immediately after) – toward the end of his life, to throw out the “moneychangers” from the temple in Jerusalem but also: the first Christians lived together in community and communal worship was for them a daily ritual

Religion and Society Religion in American Society: – do you see religion playing a large or small role in American society? – what are some examples of religion influencing American society?