 Humans have searched for answers to two basic questions: 1. Why do we live? 2. Why do we die?  All societies have struggled with giving meaning to human existence and to provide people with motivation for survival  Sacred: anything considered to be part of the supernatural world and that inspires awe, respect, and reverence  Profane: anything considered to be part of the ordinary world and thus commonplace and familiar

 The distinct between the sacred and the profane is at the heart of all religions  Religion: a system of roles and norms that is organized around the sacred realm and that binds people together in social groups  Universal phenomenon  Form may vary from society to society  Exists in different forms because societies give sacred meaning to a wide variety of objects, events, and experiences

 Religion is a social creation- things only take on a sacred meaning when they are socially defined as such by a group of believers  Things may be sacred in one society and profane in another  Ex: the Cow in Hinduism  Religion focuses on the supernatural world and belief in a particular religion is based on faith rather than on science  Sociologist concerns: the function of religion, not the truth or the falseness

 Social Cohesion:  Strengthening of bonds among people  Sharing beliefs provide a sense of belonging, makes us feel less alone in the world  Conflict theorists: social cohesion based on religion may cause social problems where more than one religion is practiced  Muslims and Hindus  Muslims, Jews, and Christians

 Social Control: encouraging conformity to the norms of society  Belief in sacred writings like the Bible, Torah and Qur’an give divine purpose to social conformity  Maintain the traditional social order by presenting this order as one commanded by a supreme being  Formalized to rid themselves of guilt of straying from societies acceptable norms and values  Confessions and communion  Provide a standard by which individuals may judge themselves and be judged by other people

 Emotional Support: provide support through difficult times  Helps people endure disappointment and suffering by providing a comfort in believing that harsh circumstances have a special purpose; motivate to survive even when happiness seems out of reach  Provide answers to the ultimate questions concerning life and death, answers that cannot be provided by science or common sense  Conflict theorists: emotional support lent by religion may block social and political change  Accept their lives because rewards await them in the spiritual life, repay them for pain on Earth

 Rituals and Symbols:  Ritual: established pattern of behavior through which a group of believers experiences the sacred  Mark change in status- birth, death, marriage, baptisms  Used to unite believers and reinforce faith: prayer meetings, worship services and religious feasts  Asking for divine intervention or give thanks  Symbols: rituals include sacred symbols such as clothing, herbs, chalices, crosses, books

 Belief Systems: animism, theism, and ethicalism  Animism: belief that spirits actively influence human life; animals, plants, rivers, mountains, and even the wind are believed to contain spirits; supernatural forces  Shamanism: spirits communicate with one person in the group  Totemism: belief in kinship between humans and animals or natural objects; animal or objected is considered sacred, called a totem, thought to represent a family or clan and their ancestors

 Theism: belief in a god or gods; the god is considered a divine power worthy of worship  Monotheism: belief in one god  Polytheism: belief in more than one god  Ethicalism: based on the idea that moral principles have a sacred quality  Based on set of truths, principles and tolerance that serve as a guide to living a righteous life  Meditation and purity of thought and action

 Organizational Structure: ecclesia, denominations, sects, and cults  Ecclesia: people in the society are members by virtue of their birth  State church and aligned with the government  Fundamental Islam  Denomination: substantial number of population are members  Baptist and Presbyterian  Sect: small religious organization that typically split off from a denomination because of differences concerning beliefs  Jehovah Witnesses and Hassidic Jews  Cult: new religion whose beliefs and practices differ markedly from those of society's major religions

Three Features:  Haven for religious freedom  Majority of Americans hold it in high regard  Separation of church and state

 Religious Affiliation:  90% believe in God, only 66% are affiliate with some religious organization  Three major faiths: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam  Religious Participation:  34% attend religious services on a regular basis  Women, African-Americans, and older citizens more likely to attend

 Religiosity: depth of people’s religious feelings and how they translate these feelings into behavior  People attend religious services for different reason  Only ½ of Americans considered themselves religious  Secular: many Americans are becoming secular, religion is losing its influence in everyday life

 Fundamentalist Christianity: evangelical Christian groups on the rise  Believe in the complete accuracy of the Bible and interpret the Scripture literally; beliefs as one true religion  “born again”: personal salvation through conversion  Commitment to bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all nonbelievers

 Fundamentalists Christians have organized to exert political influence  Donate money to political causes, attend political meetings, and campaign for politicians who share their beliefs  Opposition to abortion, homosexuality, gun control, and sexual permissiveness, and support prayer in school  Traditional family values  Urged fundamentalist to adopt “strategy of separation”: break away from mainstream to follow a Christian lifestyle  Selective separatists: remain part of mainstream by voting, working regular jobs, and paying taxes; home school their children, avoid all elements of popular culture, TV, music and movies; rejection notion of material possessions are necessary for a happy life