Chapter 17, Religion Key Terms

religion Any set of coherent answers to the dilemmas of human existence that makes the world meaningful; a system of beliefs and rituals that helps bind people together into a social group. ritual A formal pattern of activity that expresses symbolically a set of shared meanings.

sacred A term used to describe phenomena that are regarded as extraordinary, transcendent, and outside the everyday course of events. profane A term used to describe phenomena that are not considered sacred.

secularization A process in which the dominance of religion over other institutions is reduced. simple supernaturalism A form of religion in which people may believe in a great force or spirit but do not have a welldefined concept of God or a set of rituals involving God.

animism A form of religion in which all forms of life and all aspects of the earth are inhabited by gods or supernatural powers. atheism A belief system that conceives of a god or gods as separate from humans and from other living things on the earth.

polytheistic A term used to describe a theistic belief system that includes numerous gods. monotheistic A term used to describe a theistic belief system centered on belief in a single all-powerful God.

civil religion A collection of beliefs and rituals that exist outside religious institutions. church A religious organization that has strong ties to the larger society.

sect A religious organization that rejects the beliefs and practices of existing churches; usually formed when a group leaves the church to form a rival organization. denomination A religious organization that is on good terms with the institution from which it developed but must compete with other denominations for members.

cult A new religion. religiosity The depth of a person’s religious feelings.