1. Chapter 15
Religion

2. Chapter Outline Using the Sociological Imagination
Religion, Science, and Sociology
Theoretical Perspectives
Religion: Structure and Practice
Religion in the United States

3. Religion
System of beliefs and practices about sacred things found in nearly all societies.
Functions:
Legitimates the structure of society
Promotes social unity
Provides a sense of meaning and belonging

4. Moral conduct and right human relationships
Major World Religions
Religion
Number of followers
Main Beliefs
Confucianism
5,086,000
Moral conduct and right human relationships
Judaism
13,866,000
God established a covenant with the people of Israel, who are called to lives of justice and mercy.

5. Major World Religions Religion Number of followers Main Beliefs
Hinduism
793,
Brahman is the principle and source of the universe. Life is determined by the law of
karma.

6. Major World Religions Religion Number of followers Main Beliefs
Buddhism
325,275,000
By adherence to the Eightfold Path, one can escape from desire and suffering and achieve nirvana.

7. Major World Religions Religion Number of followers Main Beliefs Islam
1,126,325,000
Muhammad received the Koran from God. Believers go to an eternal Garden of Eden.
Christianity
1,955,229,000
Jesus is the son of God. Through God’s grace and profession of faith, people achieve eternal life with God.

8. Division of World Population by Religions

9. Theoretical Perspectives: Religion
Functionalism
Concept
Religion makes specific contributions to society.
Example
Legitimates social arrangements.
Promotes social unity.
Provides understanding.
Encourages a sense of belonging.

10. Theoretical Perspectives: Religion
Conflict Theory
Concept
Elites use religion to manipulate the masses.
Example
Religion is used by the most powerful to justify their economic, political, and social advantage.

11. Theoretical Perspectives: Religion
Symbolic Interactionism
Concept
People create symbolic meanings from their religious beliefs, rituals, and ideas.
Example
People use their socially created symbolic meanings to guide everyday social interaction.

12. Religious Organizations
Churches
Denominations
Sects
Cults

13. Five Dimensions of Religious Expression
Belief
Ritual
Intellectual
Experience
Consequences

14. Religious Believers

15. % of Americans Saying Religion Is Very Important in Their Lives

16. Social Class, Politics and Religion
The major religious faiths can be ranked based on :
Educational level
Income
Occupational prestige.