Splash Screen

Section 1: Religion and Sociology Section 2: Theoretical Perspectives Chapter Preview Section 1: Religion and Sociology Section 2: Theoretical Perspectives Section 3: Religious Organization and Religiosity Section 4: Religion in the United States Chapter Menu

Chapter Preview · Section 1 Religion and Sociology (pages 464–466) Religion is concerned with sacred things. Durkheim concluded that every religion separates the sacred from the profane. Sociologists face some unique problems studying religion. They do not evaluate the validity of various religions but look at these aspects of religion that can be measured and observed in society. Chapter Preview 1

Chapter Preview · Section 2 Theoretical Perspectives (pages 467–474) Religion has several functions. It legitimates the structure of society, promotes social unity, and provides a sense of meaning and belonging. Marx argued that religion is used to justify and maintain the group in power. Weber believed that religion could promote social change. He connected the Protestant ethic and the rise of capitalism. Chapter Preview 2

Chapter Preview · Section 3 Religious Organization and Religiosity (pages 475–480) The major forms of religious organization are churches, denominations, sects, and cults. Religiosity—the ways people express their religious interests and convictions—can be analyzed in terms of five dimensions: belief, ritual, intellect, experience, and consequences. Chapter Preview 3

Chapter Preview · Section 4 Religion in the United States (pages 481–488) Through the process of secularization, the sacred and the profane are intermixed. There has been revival of religious fundamentalism in the United States. The major religious faiths can be analyzed by major social characteristics. Chapter Preview 4

Chapter Preview-End

Religion is concerned with sacred things Religion is concerned with sacred things. Durkheim concluded that every religion separates the sacred from the profane. Sociologists studying religion face some unique problems. They do not judge the validity of various religions but rather look at those aspects of religion that can be measured and observed in society. Section 1-Preview

religion sacred profane Section 1-Key Terms

Section 1-Polling Question Which of the following do you find sacred? A. The Bible B. The Buddha C. The Torah D. A dreamcatcher A B C D Section 1-Polling Question

Functionalism and Religion A religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices concerned with sacred things. Section 1

Functionalism and Religion (cont.) Every society distinguishes between these two definitions: Sacred—things and ideas that are set apart and given a special meaning that goes beyond, or transcends, immediate existence. Profane (secular)—commonplace and not involving the supernatural. Section 1

What is another word for profane? A. Filthy B. Clean C. Secular D. Sacred A B C D Section 1

The Sociological Study of Religion Sociologists approach religion as a human creation and focus on social aspects of religion that can be measured and observed. They do not judge the validity of any religion. Section 1

Sociologists focus on social aspects of religion that can be ______. A. Measured B. Observed C. Measured and observed D. None of the above A B C D Section 1

Section 1-End

Religion has several functions Religion has several functions. It legitimates the structure of society, promotes social unity, and provides a sense of meaning and belonging. Marx argues that religion is used to justify and maintain the group in power. Weber believed that religion could promote social change. He connected the protestant ethic and the rise of capitalism. Section 2-Preview

legitimate spirit of capitalism Protestant ethic Section 2-Key Terms

Section-Polling Question Which of the following serves as a function of religion? A. Legitimizes the structure of society B. Promotes social unity C. Provides a sense of meaning and belonging D. All of the above A B C D Section-Polling Question

Functionalism and Religion Emile Durkheim believed that the essential function of religion was to provide, through sacred symbols, a mirror for members of society to see themselves. Section 2

Functionalism and Religion (cont.) Social functions of religion: Religion gives formal approval to existing social arrangements. Religious doctrine and scripture legitimate the status quo. Division of World Population by Religions Section 2

Functionalism and Religion (cont.) Religion encourages a sense of unity but can also cause fragmentation within a society. Religion provides a sense of understanding. Religion promotes a sense of belonging. Religions of the World Major World Religions Section 2

Which animal did early Hebrews believe was unclean? A. Horse B. Cow C. Pig D. Sheep A B C D Section 2

Conflict Theory and Religion Conflict theory focuses on how religion works to either inhibit or encourage social change. Gender Inequality in Religion Section 2

Conflict Theory and Religion (cont.) Marx’s view: He believed that once people have created a unified system of sacred beliefs and practices, they act as if it were something beyond their control. Religion gives people a sense that all is the way it should be. Section 2

Conflict Theory and Religion (cont.) Weber’s view: Unlike Marx, he believed that religion could encourage social change. He saw a link between capitalism and Protestantism. Section 2

Conflict Theory and Religion (cont.) The spirit of capitalism—work is a moral obligation; investment for the future is more important than immediate consumption. Protestant ethic—a cluster of values, norms, beliefs, and attitudes that stressed virtue of hard work, thrift and self discipline. Section 2

Conflict Theory and Religion (cont.) Protestant/Calvinistic beliefs: God identifies his chosen people by rewarding them in this world. Consumption beyond necessity is considered sinful. There is an underlying purpose to life: glorification of God on earth through one’s occupation. Section 2

Do you think the dominant religion of a country influences the economy of that country? A. Yes B. No C. Not sure A B C Section 2

Symbolic Interactionism and Religion Peter Berger believes that humans create from their religious traditions a canopy of symbolic meanings to “lay” over the secular world. These meanings provide stability and security in a changing and uncertain existence. Religion Section 2

What is the name of the book sociologist Peter Berger wrote? A. Religious Ideas B. The Sacred Canopy C. Insecurity and Uncertainty D. None of the above A B C D Section 2

Section 2-End

The major forms of religious organizations are churches, denominations, sects, and cults. Religiosity—the ways people express their religious beliefs and convictions—can be analyzed in terms of five dimensions: belief, ritual, intellect, experience, and consequences. Section 3-Preview

church denomination sect cult religiosity Section 3-Key Terms

Section 3-Polling Question Which is NOT a major form of religious organization? A. Denomination B. Church C. Cult D. Sunday A B C Section 3-Polling Question

Religious Organization Church—a life-encompassing religious organization to which all members of a society belong. This exists when religion and the state are intertwined. Section 3

Religious Organization (cont.) Denomination—one of several religious organizations that most members of a society accept as legitimate. Membership is voluntary and competition for members between them is acceptable. Section 3

Religious Organization (cont.) Sect—a religious organization formed when members of an existing religious organization break away in an attempt to reform the “parent” group. Cult—a religious organization whose characteristics are not drawn from existing religious traditions within a society. Section 3

The Amish are a religious ______? A. Sect B. Cult C. Denomination Section 3

Religiosity Religiosity refers to the types of religious attitudes and behaviors people display in their everyday lives. Public Charities Section 3

Religiosity (cont.) The 5 dimensions: Belief—what a person considers to be true Ritual—a religious practice that members are expected to perform Section 3

Religiosity (cont.) Intellectual dimension—knowledge of one’s faith Experience—feeling attached to religious expression Consequences—decisions and commitments made because of their religion Section 3

Which is NOT a dimension of religiosity? A. Ritual B. Experience C. Academic D. Belief A B C D Section 3

Section 3-End

Through the process of secularization, the sacred and the profane tend to become intermixed. There has been a revival of religious fundamentalism in the United States. Religious faiths can be analyzed by the major social characteristics such as class and political tendencies. Section 4-Preview

secularization fundamentalism Section 4-Key Terms

Section 4-Polling Question Do you agree that there should be a separation of church and state? A. Agree B. Disagree C. Not sure A B C Section 4-Polling Question

The Development of Religion in America The idea of a separation between church and state is a cornerstone of American life. However, religious persecution has still occurred. Section 4

Which religious group came to America to search for religious freedom? A. Puritans B. Calvinists C. Catholics A B C Section 4

Secularization in the United States Secularization is the process of the sacred losing influence over society, or aspects of the sacred entering into the secular world of everyday life. Percentage of Americans Saying Religion is Very Important in Their Lives: 1952–2005 Global Comparisons in Religiousity Section 4

What percent of the United States is without a religious preference? B. 9 C. 15 D. 20 A B C D Section 4

Religious Preferences Americans in the early 2000s were largely Protestant (50%). Catholics constitute about 24% of the population. Jews constitute about 2% of the population. Membership in Selected Religious Organizations in the United States Section 4

A B C D Which Protestant denomination is that largest? A. Methodists B. Episcopalian C. Lutheran D. Baptist A B C D Section 4

Fundamentalism in America Fundamentalism is based on the desire to resist secularization and to adhere closely to traditional religious beliefs, rituals, and doctrines. Section 4

Fundamentalism in America (cont.) Two issues disturbed the early fundamentalists: The spread of secularism. The movement away from emphasis on the traditional message of Christianity toward an emphasis on social service. Section 4

Fundamentalism in America (cont.) Christian fundamentalists believe in: the literal truth of the Scriptures. being “born again.” Section 4

Fundamentalism in America (cont.) the responsibility of believers to give witness for God. the presence of Satan. the destruction of the world before the Messiah’s return. Section 4

Fundamentalism in America (cont.) Fundamentalism is strong today because: many Americans feel their world is out of control. the fundamentalist churches provide solace to people who don’t feel connected elsewhere. Section 4

Fundamentalism in America (cont.) they offer a more purely sacred environment. they can use the mass media to reach people. American Church Membership Trends: 1990–1999 Section 4

A B C D Fundamentalism is found in which religions? A. Roman Catholic B. Judaism C. Protestant denominations D. All of the above A B C D Section 4

Religion, Class and Politics Religious affiliation is related to: social class upper versus lower class political beliefs Section 4

A B C D Upperclasses display their religiosity by A. Church membership B. Church attendance C. Observance of ritual D. All of the above A B C D Section 4

Religion, Science, and Society Religion involves matters beyond human observation, while science is all about observation. Depending on the values and norms of the culture, society may favor religious or scientific explanations. Section 4

Religion, Science, and Society (cont.) Many debates have involved the school system. Today, some topics in science are closely tied to ethics, so the interface between science and religion is increasing. Section 4

What state removed any questions about evolution from the state high school exit examination in 1999? A. Vermont B. Oklahoma C. Oregon D. Kansas A B C D Section 4

Section 4-End

Division of World Population by Religions* * Figures shown are estimates and do not total to 100 due to rounding errors. Figure 14.1

Major World Religions Figure 14.2 Source: World Almanac and Book of Facts, 2005. Figure 14.2

Figure 14.3

Percentage of Americans Saying Religion is Very Important in Their Lives: 1952–2005 Source: The Gallup Organization, Gallup polls on religion. Figure 14.4

Figure 14.5

Membership in Selected Religious Organizations in the United States Source: World Almanac and Book of Facts, 2005. Figure 14.6

American Church Membership Trends: 1990–1999 Source: Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches, 1999. Figure 14.7

Public Charities Snapshot Source: National Center for Charitable Statistics, 2004. Snapshot

Religions of the World World View 1 Adapted from The State of Religion Atlas, New York: Simon & Schuster, 1993. World View 1

Gender Inequality in Religion Adapted from The State of Religion Atlas, New York: Simon & Schuster, 1993. World View 2

Transparency 1A

Transparency 1B

religion a unified system of beliefs and practices concerned with sacred things Vocab1

sacred holy; set apart and given a special meaning that goes beyond, or transcends, immediate existence Vocab2

profane nonsacred Vocab3

legitimate to justify or give official approval to Vocab4

spirit of capitalism the obligation to reinvest money in business rather than to spend it Vocab5

Protestant ethic a set of values, norms, beliefs, and attitudes stressing hard work, thrift, and self-discipline Vocab6

church a life-encompassing religious organization to which all members of a society belong Vocab7

denomination one of several religious organizations that most members of a society accept as legitimate Vocab8

sect a religious organization that arises out of a desire to reform an existing religious organization Vocab9

cult a religious organization whose characteristics are not drawn from existing religious traditions within a society Vocab10

religiosity ways in which people express their religious interests and convictions Vocab11

secularization process through which the sacred loses influence over society Vocab12

fundamentalism the resistance of secularization and the rigid adherence to traditional religious beliefs, rituals, and doctrines Vocab13

To use this Presentation Plus! product: Click the Forward button to go to the next slide. Click the Previous button to return to the previous slide. Click the Home button to return to the Chapter Menu. Click the Transparency button to access the transparencies that are relevant to this chapter. Click the Return button in a feature to return to the main presentation. Click the Sociology Online button to access online textbook features. Click the Exit button or press the Escape key [Esc] to end the chapter slide show. Click the Help button to access this screen. Links to Presentation Plus! features such as the Figures, Time Lines, Snapshot of America, World View and others are located at the bottom of relevant screens. Help

End of Custom Shows