The Sociology of Religion The Nature of Religion OBJECTIVES: SOCII.4.3 Describe the characteristics of religion ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS: How does religion benefit the individual? LEARNING TARGET: To be able to explain and provide examples of what role the social institution of religion plays in the lives of many in a society, and how it meets certain basic social needs.

Religion & Self-Transcendence  Most religions involve a spiritual awakening or liberation from egocentricity (regarding oneself as the center of all things).  The (attempted) overcoming of the limits of the “self” through spiritual contemplation and realization.  There’s more than just me, and I’m connected to It through a common group or faith.  Through the group, the “self” is transcended.

Self-Transcendence: The Individual, Society, and the Sacred Jonathan Haidt Ted Talk

Characteristics of Religion Rituals and Symbols Rituals-Established patterns if behavior with sacred meaning for those exhibiting them Examples: baptism, Hajj, communion, prayer Along with symbols, they unite and reinforce belief

Characteristics of Religion Belief Systems —Theism -belief in a god or gods Animism -belief that spirits actively influence human existence. Shamanism totemism

Characteristics of Religion Belief Systems Monotheism-belief in one god Examples: Judaism, Christianity, Islam Polytheism-belief in multiple gods Examples: ancient Rome & Greece, Hinduism, Shintoism, modern Buddhism

Characteristics of Religion Organizational Structure Ranked according to how successfully they are accepted by and integrated into society.

Religions Organization Church (Ecclesiae) Most structured: bureaucratic, closely aligned with the gov’t, has powerful leadership Life encompassing religious organization to which all (or most) members of a society belong (usually since birth) Worship is very formal and procedural Fundamental-Not tolerant of religious differences

Religions Organization Church (Ecclesiae) Examples: Judaism, Catholic Church, Islam, Church of England (Anglican Church)

Religions Organization Denomination Similar to Church—well-established and bureaucratic in structure. Larger portion of a society are members, and is widely accepted within a society Strongly hold to their beliefs, but are more accepting/tolerant others. Membership can come at birth, or by choice. Religions Organization

Denomination Examples: Generally Christian: Quakers, Baptists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians Religions Organization

Ecclesiae vs. Denomination Religions Organization

Sect Formed when members of an existing denomination “break away.” Usually have split over religious differences, and want to correct the problems of the parent group. Attempting to redeem, not recreate the parent religion. Some grow into denominations (Baptists, Methodists, Jehovah’s Witnesses). Religions Organization

Sect Examples: Christian: Latter-Day Saints (Mormon Church), Amish, Mennonites, Hutterites Islam: Shia, Sunni Judaism: Messianic Judaism Religions Organization

Sectarianism: Sunni and Shia Islam

Cult “New” religions-small in members. Beliefs are markedly from those of the society’s major religions. Followers tend to be “disillusioned” with traditional religions. Practices are significantly different from “mainstream” religion, usually based on a revelation of a charismatic figure/leader. Often requires wholesale “buy-in” by followers. Most don’t last long. Religions Organization

Cult Examples: Short-lived: Branch Davidians, Heaven’s Gate, Jonestown Manson Family, Scientology, The Unification Church (Mooneyism) Religions Organization

Lab: Applying What You’ve Learned

2. Group Activities Address the topics that are assigned by your teacher. Answer the questions that are listed with each topic. 3. Discussion What did you learn from this lab? As a group, discuss the following: What were the findings of each group? How did you come to a shared opinion? What did group members disagree about? Lab (cont.)