Chapter 6 Religion

Key Issue #3: Organization of Space Overview: Geographers study the major impact on the landscape made by all religions. (e.g. often the tallest most elaborate buildings are religious). Distribution of religious elements on the landscape reflects the importance of religion in people’s values. Places of worship Christian Churches Places of worship in other religions Sacred space Disposing of the dead Religious settlements Religious place names Administration of space Hierarchical religions Locally autonomous religions

Organization of Space sacred structures act as physical “anchors” of religion. ALL major religions have them, however, the functions of the buildings influence the arrangement of the structures across landscapes. Places of worship Christian worship- dominated by a high density of churches Christian Church: Critical role as (structure) an expression of religious principles (environment IN the image of God), also, a gathering place (attendance is considered extremely important) Large number & size & expensive. Architecture often compatible with the doctrine & rituals & symbolism. No single style dominates Reflective of cultural values. (Orthodox=ornate, protestant=simplicity) Most major religions do not consider their important buildings a sanctified place of worship

Places of worship in other religions Muslim Mosques: place of community assembly not viewed as a sanctified place place for community to gather together for worship primarily in large cities functional purpose pulpit at end of courtyard facing Mecca surrounded by a cloister used for schools & non religious activities minarets are a distinctive feature of mosques Hindu Temples: important religious functions are more likely to take place at home within the family. TEMPLES are built to house shrines for particular gods NOT for congregational worship. Maintained by the wealthy. Contains a symbolic artifact/image of God. Space for ritual processions.

Sacred Spaces Arrangement of human activities on the landscape at several SCALES; from relative small parcels to entire communities. HOW each is distributed on the landscape depends on beliefs.

Cremation near Taj Mahal

OTHER METHODS: not all bury Disposing of the Dead burial/religious settlements=most significant land uses Burial practices: Sheltering the dead is impacted by climate, topography & doctrine Cemetery: specially designated area used by Christians, Muslims, Jews Historical connections: Christianity was illegal burial served as protection Alignment of the body is sometimes traditional: body aligned with feet toward Jerusalem. Cemeteries may consume significant space in a community thereby increasing the competitions for scarce space. Open space is a premium & are often used as public open space. (picnics, assembly, etc.) OTHER METHODS: not all bury Cremation: act of purification (strains the scarce supply of wood), strips away unclean portions of the body, nothing left behind (nomad), principly used in Europe before Christianity Exposure: to scavengers. (Zoroastrians, Buddhists) Disposal of bodies at Sea: (micronesia) raft, boat, flinging

Religious Settlement larger scale manifestations of religion on the landscape Human settlements serve an economic purpose but some are established primarily for religious reasons. Some buildings are used for economic activities organized to integrate religious principles into all aspects of daily life. Utopia Movements (1820s)- Mormons = the best example, others: mennonites, oneidans, shakers, etc. religious principles effected many of the designs. Spatial relationship = significance

Place Names in Québec Place names in Québec show the impact of religion on the landscape. Many cities and towns are named after saints. Catholics use religiously sign. Names very often. Conversely, Protestants rarely use them.

Administration of Space Followers of a universalizing religion must be connected so as to ensure communication & consistency of doctrine. Ethnic Religions tend NOT to have organized central authority.

Hierarchical Religions

Area & population of parishes & diocese vary according to historical factors & the distribution of Roman Catholics across Earth’s surface. As the distribution shift, the organization of the space is complicated

Roman Catholic Hierarchy in U.S. The Catholic church divides the U.S. into provinces headed by archbishops. Provinces are divided into dioceses, headed by bishops. Notice the baseline!

Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) Use strong organization of the landscape. Wards, Stakes Similar to Roman Catholic, however, more flexible in adjusting to population distribution changes.

Autonomous (self-sufficient) Religions Can be ethnic or universal Islam = local autonomy no hierarchy & no territorial organization Unity is established via high degrees of communication & migration (pilgrimage)

Protestant Demominations Varied continuum: from autonomous to somewhat hierarchical

Ethnic Religions No centralized structure of religious control Share/exchange ideas primarily through pilgrimage and traditional writings On a lighter note…

Key Issue #4 : Religious Conflicts Religion vs. government policies Religion vs. social change Religion vs. Communism Religion vs. religion Religious wars in Ireland Religious wars in the Middle East