Religion is a social institution where its beliefs and practices what is sacred Macionis, Sociology, Chapter Nineteen

2 Profane and Sacred Differentiating Between Ordinary & Extraordinary Profane – “outside the temple”- Ordinary elements of everyday usefulness Sacred – That which is extraordinary, inspiring a sense of awe, reverence, and even fear; set apart from profane Ritual – formal, ceremonial behavior

3 Structural Functional Analysis Durkheim: Religion has 3 major functions –Social cohesion – Unites people through shared symbols, values, and norms –Social control – The use of religious symbols and language to control human behavior has always been with us –Provides meaning and purpose – Personal spirituality allows humans to pass through tough times without total collapse Downplays religion’s dysfunctions such as generating social conflict and violence

4 Symbolic-interaction Analysis Religion is socially constructed (although perhaps with divine inspiration). Through rituals like prayers, fasts, observances we sharpen the distinction between sacred and profane –According to Peter Burger placing our brief lives in some cosmic frame of reference gives us the semblance of security and permanence

5 Social-conflict Analysis Religion serves the ruling elites by legitimizing the status quo and diverting people’s attention from social inequities. Supports social inequality. –Reinforces unequal economic and gender status quo –Disrupts cultures with attempts to “convert heathens” –Endure without complaint and focus on the “better world to come” Marx called it the “opium of the people” Critical Evaluation – Downplays religion’s efforts to promote social equality as in the abolition of slavery and the civil rights movement

6 Religious Organizations Church – organization well integrated into society Denomination – independent of the state and pluralistic Sect – a type of religious organization that stands apart from the larger society Cult – religious organizations that are substantially outside a society’s cultural traditions. All religions began as a cult.

7 Christianity 2.0 billion followers Christianity began as a cult 85% of Americans and Canadians Many splits from original form of roman Catholicism 53% US are Protestant It is monotheistic (one god) Jesus Christ is central figure as both man on earth and son of god Preaches personal salvation

8Islam 1.2 billion followers Not all Muslims are Arabs Islam is the word of god as revealed to the prophet Muhammad, born in Mecca around 570 The Qur'an urges submission to Allah = the path to inner peace Five pillars of Islam –Recognize Allah as the true god –Ritual prayer –Giving of alms to the poor –Fasting during Ramadan –Making the once in a lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca

9Judaism 15 million adherents worldwide National majority only in Israel Jews believe that a covenant exists between God and god’s chosen people The torah emphasizes moral behavior in the world Denominations: –Orthodox Jews are very traditional –Reform Judaism is more church-like –Conservative Judaism bridge first two belief systems Anti-Semitism –Prejudice and discrimination against Jewish people

10Hinduism The oldest of all world religions More than 800 million believers Found mostly in India and Africa No sacred writings like the bible Principles: –Dharma refers to correct living –Karma refers to belief in spiritual progress through reincarnation Nirvana represents spiritual perfection and a release from the cycle of rebirth

11 Buddhism 350 million persons –Almost all Asians Resembles Hinduism in doctrine and Christianity due to its ties to the life of one individual –Siddhartha Gautama Achieved “Bodhi” or enlightenment Became “Buddha” No “god of judgment,” but daily action has its consequences

12 Confucianism –100,000 persons in North America –Prior to the 1949 revolution, it was an ecclesia: the official religion of China –Perhaps it is more a way of disciplined living than a religion Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses. Confucius Chinese philosopher & reformer (551 BC BC)Confucius