chapter 14.2
DESCRIPTION
Chapter 14.2. Education & Religion. Sacred. a nything that is considered to be part of the supernatural world & that inspires awe, respect & reverence. Profane. a nything considered to be part of the ordinary world & thus, commonplace & familiar. Religion. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
CHAPTER 14.2Education & Religion
Sacred anything that
is considered to be part of the supernatural world & that inspires awe, respect & reverence
Profane anything
considered to be part of the ordinary world & thus, commonplace & familiar
Religion a system of
roles & norms that is organized around the sacred realm & that binds people together in social groups
Religion: A Sociological Definition
according to sociologists, religion is a social creation things only take
on meaning when they are socially defined as such by a group of believers
The Functions of Religion
Social Cohesion, Social Control, Emotional Support
Social Cohesion strengthening of bonds
among people provides people with
support & purpose conflict theorists argue
that this causes problems in societies with more than one practiced religion
Social Control encourages
conformity to the norms of society
may be used to maintain the traditional social order by presenting it as one demanded by the supreme being
Emotional Support helps people
endure disappointment & suffering by providing a comfort in believing that harsh circumstances have a special purpose
Rituals and Symbols Ritual: an established
pattern of behavior through which a group of believers experiences the sacred Example: baptisms,
weddings & funerals often include sacred
symbols Example: clothing,herbs, crosses, books
Belief SystemsAnimism, Shamanism, Totemism,
Theism, Ethicalism
Animism belief that
spirits actively influence human life
these forces not worshiped as gods
Shamanism belief that spirits
communicate only with one person in the group
Shamans believed to be able to heal the sick & see the future
Totemism belief in kinship
between humans & animals or natural objects
animals or objects thought to represent a family or clan & their ancestors
Theism belief in a god or
gods monotheism:
belief in one god Christianity,
Judaism, Islam polytheism: belief
in many gods Hinduism
Ethicalism based on the
idea that moral principles have a sacred qualityBuddhism,
Confucianism, Shintoism
Organizational Structures
Ecclesia: people are member by virtue of their birth
Denomination: substantial number of the population are members
Sect: small religious organization that typically has split off from a denomination
Cult: new religion whose beliefs & practices differ markedly from those of society’s major religions
Americans and Religion Americans & Religion
Why do you think so many people who claim to be religious lack so much knowledge concerning their beliefs?
Do you think that abundant knowledge about your religion of preference is relevant/important? Why?
Bill Maher vs. Mike Huckabee Thoughts?