Chapter 14 RELIGION Made By: Nicole Borden Nicole Marino Quinn Johnson Maggie Isaac Ashley Rasmousen Mr. Schumacher /Period 3

Religion and Sociology Section 1 Emile Durkheim (the first sociologist to examine religion scientifically) defines religion as a unified system of beliefs and practices concerned with sacred things Sacred- holy; set apart and given a special meaning that goes beyond, or transcends, immediate existence Profane- nonsacred

To study religion sociologists have to keep their faith personal and focus on the social aspects of religion that can be measured and observed. Some questions that they might ask themselves and you can think about yourself are:  How can we find evidence for something that can’t be seen?  How can we remain objective about such a value-laden subject, especially when we have our own beliefs?  Is science really the proper tool to evaluate religion?

Theoretical Perspectives Section 2 Functionalism and Religion Religion is an important part of almost all societies. This is shown by religious artifacts customs and taboos that have been left behind tracing back to 50,000 B.C. Religion has several functions. It legitimates the structure of society, promotes social unity, and provides a sense of meaning and belonging. In his book, The Elementary Forms of Religious Life (1915), Durkheim says that the essential function of religion was to provide through sacred symbols a mirror for members of society to see themselves.

Sociologists identify the following social functions of religion  Religion gives formal approval to existing social arrangements.  Religion encourages a sense of unity.  Religion provides a sense of understanding.  Religion promotes a sense of belonging. Legitimate- to justify or give official approval to Conflict Theory and Religion Conflict theory focuses on how religion works to either inhibit or encourage social change. Sprit of Capitalism- the obligation to reinvest money in business rather than to spend it. Protestant Ethic- a set of values, norms, beliefs, and attitudes stressing hard work, thrift, and self discipline.

Symbolic Interactionism and Religion People create symbolic meanings from their religious beliefs, rituals, and ideals. People use their socially created symbolic meanings to guide everyday social interactions. Religious Organization and Religiosity Section 3 Religious Organization Early scholars have identified four basic types of religious organizations: Church Denomination Sect Cult

Church- a life-encompassing religious organization to which all members of a society belong Denomination- one of several religious organizations that most members of a society accept as legitimate Sect- a religious organization that arises out of desire to reform an existing religious organization Cult- a religious organization whose characteristics are not drawn from existing religious traditions within a society Religiosity Religiosity- ways in which people express their religious interests and convicts There are five dimensions of religiosity. They are: Beliefs Rituals Intellectual Dimension Experience Consequences

Religion in the United States Section 4 The Development of Religion in America Secularism- a process through which the sacred loses influence over society. Some people believe that secularism is destroying Religion in the United States. Americans claiming that Religion was important in their lives fell from 75% in 1952 to 57% in On the other hand, some research has found that many Americans are still very committed to their Religions.

There are over three hundred denominations and sects in the United States, the denominations that make up a majority of the United States: – Protestant- 50% – Baptism- 16% – Methodist- 8% – Lutheran- 5% Fundamentalism- The resistence of secularization and the rigid adherence to traditional religious beliefs, rituals, and doctrines. – Believe in literal truth of Scriptures – Involves “being born again” through acceptance of Jesus. Religious organizations that share in much of the fundamentalist theology have unique beliefs and practices. – Example: neo- Pentacostalism which has occurred for the most part within traditional religious organizations.

Several reasons for the growth of fundamentalism have been proposed: – Many Americans feel their world is out of control. – Churches emphasize warmth and love to people who are experiencing the weakening of family and community ties. – Churches offer what they consider a more purely sacred environment. – The electronic church contributes to the growth of religious fundamentalism. Politics and Religion: – Jewish faith is aligned with democratic party, followed by Catholics and protestants. – Episcopalians and Presbyterians are found to be republican.

Who did what? Putting together power point: Quin Quiz and power point: Nicole and Nicole Activity: Maggie and Ashley