1. Objectives: Section 3 and 4: The Sociology of Religion
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Section 3 and 4: The Sociology of Religion
Objectives:
What are basic societal needs served by religion?
What are the distinctive features of religion in American society?
e.g. Hindus regard cow as sacred; Christians regard certain “wafers” as holy
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2. Sociological Definition of Religion :
Sociology
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Sociological Definition of Religion :
Religion: system of roles and norms organized around a sacred realm that binds people together in social groups
according to sociologists:
religion is a social creation
objects take on sacred meaning only when a group of believers socially defines them as sacred
Sacred is anything considered to be part of the supernatural world that inspires awe, respect & reverence
Functions of Religion :
Social Cohesion
Social Control
Emotional Support
e.g. Hindus regard cow as sacred; Christians regard certain “wafers” as holy
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3. Functions of Religion: Social Cohesion
strengthening of bonds among people

4. Functions of Religion: Social Control
encourages conformity to the norms of society

5. Functions of Religion: Emotional Support
to provide emotional support during difficult times

6. The Nature of Religion All religions contain certain basic elements
Rituals and symbols
Belief systems
Organizational structures

7. Rituals
behaviors through which believers experience the sacred; vary greatly worldwide
Often mark changes in status
Birth, marriage, death
Unite believers
Reinforce faith

8. Symbols
Clothing, herbs, chalices, crosses, books, other religious symbols
Often used only on special days or special places to emphasize sacred character

9. Belief Systems
Shamanism Spirits communicate with one person (shaman). Shamans can heal sick, predict future.
ANIMISM: Spirits active in influencing human life but not worshipped. Rituals thank or win spirits’ good will.
ETHICALISM: Based on set of moral principles with sacred quality.
THEISM: Belief in god or gods. God is divine power worthy of worship.
Totemism Kinship between humans and animals/natural objects—totems
Monotheism Belief in one god; Examples: Judaism, Islam, Christianity; organized structure, priesthood, rituals
Polytheism Multiple gods; Example: Hinduism; usually one powerful god and lesser gods
Involve meditation and purity of thought and action; Examples: Buddhism, Shintoism, Confucianism

10. Four Types of Organizational Structures
Ecclesia
Denominations
Sects
Cults

11. Basically a state church, closely allied with government
High structured, powerful bureaucracy
Formal worship ceremonies
Intolerant of differences(USUALLY); membership a matter of law
A few ecclesiae exist in the world today, including:
Islam in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern nations
Catholic Church in Spain
Lutheran Church in Sweden
Anglican Church in England

12. Denominations
Well established, substantial number of population are members
Bureaucratic; trained officials
Tend to be tolerant – right to your own beliefs
Many born into, many converts

13. Sects Relatively small, usually split from another denomination
Often intolerant, tend to claim their way is the only way
Tend to be hostile toward existing power structure – viewed as corrupt & worldly
Ceremonies often encourage emotional displays
E.g., Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hassidic Jews

14. Sociology
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Cults
New religion; beliefs/practices markedly different from society’s major religions
Leaders
Often based on revelations/visions
typically charismatic; appear extraordinary, even supernatural(Not to worry, kids; although I fit the criteria, I do not run a cult)
Followers
as attracted to leader as to message; disillusioned by traditional religion/life in general
May reject society, family and friends upon joining
Most are short lived – too different to be accepted
E.g., Jonestown, Heaven’s Gate, Manson Family
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15. Jonestown Massacre Heaven’s Gate Suicide Sociology 4/22/2018
(CNN) -- …The 39 members of the Heaven's Gate cult who took their own lives…The cult members committed suicide over a few days in late March They died in shifts, with some members helping others take a lethal cocktail of phenobarbital and vodka before downing their own doses of the fatal mixture. Police found an eerily placid and orderly scene on March 26.
Heaven's Gate members believed that Hale-Bopp, an unusually bright comet, was the sign that they were supposed to shed their earthly bodies (or "containers") and join a spacecraft traveling behind the comet that would take them to a higher plane of existence.
…the Jonestown commune massacre of almost 1,000 men, women and children at the People’s Temple in Jonestown, British Guyana…Nov. 18, The leader …was Jim Jones, their misbegotten savior. Congressman Leo J. Ryan and four members of his investigatory party were shot as they tried to board a plane at Port Kaitua airstrip. 
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