1. Religion

2. Religion and Society  Religion – a unified system of beliefs and practices concerned with sacred things.  Emile Durkheim, the first sociologist to examine religion scientifically, concluded that every religion separates the sacred from the profane.

3. Religion and Society  Sacred – things and ideas that are holy; they are apart and given a special meaning that transcends, immediate existence  Profane – concerns the non-sacred aspects of life, things that are commonplace; aka secular.

4. Functionalism  Sociologists focus on social aspects of religion that can be measured and observed.  Durkheim believed that religion provides a mirror for members of a society to see themselves through sacred symbols.  Sociologists have identified the following social functions of religion: – It gives formal approval to existing social arrangements. – It encourages a sense of unity. – It provides a sense of understanding. – It promotes a sense of belonging.

5. Conflict Theory  Conflict theory focuses on how religion works to either inhibit or encourage social change.  Karl Marx believed that religion works against social change, and called it “the opiate of the masses.”  Marx wrote that religion is used by the ruling class to justify its economic, political, and social advantages over the oppressed.

6. Conflict Theory  Max Weber suggested that religion sometimes encourages social change. He pointed to the relationship between Protestantism and the rise of capitalism.

7. Conflict Theory  The spirit of capitalism views work as a moral obligation and an investment in the future. It stresses reinvesting money rather than spending it.  The Protestant ethic is a set of values, norms, beliefs, and attitudes stressing hard work, thrift, and self-discipline.

8. Conflict Theory  John Calvin – early Protestant theologian, who believed that, God identifies his chosen by rewarding them in this world; The Protestant ethic is often associated with him.

9. Conflict Theory  Consumption beyond necessity was considered sinful; those who engaged in self- pleasure were agents of the devil.  Calvinists believed there was an underlying purpose of life: glorification of God on earth through one’s occupational calling.

10. Symbolic Interactionism  In his book The Sacred Canopy sociologist Peter Berger says that humans create a canopy, or cover, of symbolic meanings from their religious traditions to “lay” over the secular world and guide daily social interactions.  Examples of symbolic interactionist religious situations: – Kamikaze pilots or suicide bombers must believe in an afterlife in order to complete their duties. – People trapped in troubled marriages feel compelled to uphold their vows when in a place of worship.

11. Religious Organization  Church – a life-encompassing religious organization to which all members of a society belong.  Denomination – one of several religious organizations that most members of a society accept as legitimate; membership is voluntary.  Sect – a religious organization that arises out of a desire to reform an existing religious organization.  Cult – a religious organization whose characteristics are not drawn from existing religious traditions within a society.

12. Cults

13. Religiosity  Religiosity – the ways people express their religious interest and convictions, in everyday life. It has five dimensions: – Belief: what a person considers to be true, – Ritual: a religious practice that members are expected to perform – Intellectual: knowledge of scripture or interest in religious aspects of human existence – Experience: feelings attached to religious expression – Consequences: decisions and commitments people make as a result of religious beliefs, rituals, knowledge, or experience.

14. Religion in the United States  The United States was founded on the principle of religious freedom.

15. Religion in the United States  America still appears to be a more religious nation than other industrialized countries.  Americans also tend to support traditional religious beliefs.  Despite growing religious diversity, Americans are still largely Protestant.  Secularization – process in which the sacred loses influence over society; American society has gradually moved in this direction.

16. Fundamentalism  Fundamentalism – based on the desire to resist secularization and to adhere closely to traditional religious beliefs, rituals, and doctrines. – It is especially prevalent among Protestant denominations, but is found in all religions. – Most fundamentalists are politically conservative. – Fundamentalists believe in literal interpretations of the Bible and other sacred texts.

17. Fundamentalism  There are several theories about the growth of fundamentalism. – Fundamental religion provides a strong anchor in a confusing world. – Fundamentalist churches provide solace to people witnessing the weakening of family and community ties. – Fundamentalist churches offer a sacred, not secular, environment. – The electronic church has been a contributing factor in the growth of fundamentalism.

18. Religion, Class, and Politics  Religious affiliation is related to social class in the United States. – Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and Jews tend to be at the top of the social ladder, followed by Lutherans, Catholics, Methodists, and Baptists.  Social class also affects how people express their religious beliefs. – Members of the upper class display their religiosity through church membership and church attendance. – People in the lower classes more often pray privately and have emotional religious experiences.

19. Religion, Class, and Politics  Political affiliation is also related to religion. – Protestants tend to be more conservative than Catholics or Jews. – Jews are most likely to be members of the Democratic Party, followed by Catholics and Protestants. – Support for the Republican Party is highest among Episcopalians and Presbyterians. – Contradictions: Episcopalians and Presbyterians are less conservative than Southern Baptists, many of whom are Democrats.

22. Religion, Science, and Society  Both science and religion examine humanity’s relationship to the world, but they examine it in very different ways.  Religion involves matters beyond human observation, while science is all about observation.  Sometimes science and religion conflict depending on the values and norms of a culture. – Scientific Revolution vs. Catholic Church – Evolution vs. Creationism/Intelligent Design