Chapter 15

Religion

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

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

Major World Religions

ReligionNumber of followers

Main Beliefs

Confucianism 5,086,000Moral 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.

Major World Religions

ReligionNumber of followers

Main Beliefs

Hinduism 793,076.000

Brahman is the principle and source of the universe. Life is

determined by the law ofkarma.

Major World Religions

ReligionNumber of followers

Main Beliefs

Buddhism 325,275,000

By adherence to the Eightfold Path, one can escape from desire and suffering and achieve

nirvana.

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.

Division of World Population by Religions

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.

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.

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.

Religious Organizations Churches Denominations Sects Cults

Five Dimensions of Religious Expression

1. Belief2. Ritual3. Intellectual4. Experience5. Consequences

Religious Believers

% of Americans Saying Religion Is Very Important in Their Lives

Social Class, Politics and Religion The major religious faiths can be

ranked based on : Educational level Income Occupational prestige.