Introduction

2. Introduction • Humans have searched for answers to two basic questions: • Why do we live? • Why do we die? • All societies have struggled with giving meaning to human existence and to provide people with motivation for survival • Sacred: anything considered to be part of the supernatural world and that inspires awe, respect, and reverence • Profane: anything considered to be part of the ordinary world and thus commonplace and familiar

3. The distinct between the sacred and the profane is at the heart of all religions • Religion: a system of roles and norms that is organized around the sacred realm and that binds people together in social groups • Universal phenomenon • Form may vary from society to society • Exists in different forms because societies give sacred meaning to a wide variety of objects, events, and experiences

4. Religion- A Sociological Definition • Religion is a social creation- things only take on a sacred meaning when they are socially defined as such by a group of believers • Things may be sacred in one society and profane in another • Ex: the Cow in Hinduism • Religion focuses on the supernatural world and belief in a particular religion is based on faith rather than on science • Sociologist concerns: the function of religion, not the truth or the falseness

5. The Functions of Religion • Social Cohesion: • Strengthening of bonds among people • Sharing beliefs provide a sense of belonging, makes us feel less alone in the world • Conflict theorists: social cohesion based on religion may cause social problems where more than one religion is practiced • Muslims and Hindus • Muslims, Jews, and Christians

6. The Functions of Religion • Social Control: encouraging conformity to the norms of society • Belief in sacred writings like the Bible, Torah and Qur’an give divine purpose to social conformity • Maintain the traditional social order by presenting this order as one commanded by a supreme being • Formalized to rid themselves of guilt of straying from societies acceptable norms and values • Confessions and communion • Provide a standard by which individuals may judge themselves and be judged by other people

7. The Function of Religion • Emotional Support: provide support through difficult times • Helps people endure disappointment and suffering by providing a comfort in believing that harsh circumstances have a special purpose; motivate to survive even when happiness seems out of reach • Provide answers to the ultimate questions concerning life and death, answers that cannot be provided by science or common sense • Conflict theorists: emotional support lent by religion may block social and political change • Accept their lives because rewards await them in the spiritual life, repay them for pain on Earth

8. The Nature of Religion • Rituals and Symbols: • Ritual: established pattern of behavior through which a group of believers experiences the sacred • Mark change in status- birth, death, marriage, baptisms • Used to unite believers and reinforce faith: prayer meetings, worship services and religious feasts • Asking for divine intervention or give thanks • Symbols: rituals include sacred symbols such as clothing, herbs, chalices, crosses, books

9. The Nature of Religion • Belief Systems: animism, theism, and ethicalism • Animism: belief that spirits actively influence human life; animals, plants, rivers, mountains, and even the wind are believed to contain spirits; supernatural forces • Shamanism: spirits communicate with one person in the group • Totemism: belief in kinship between humans and animals or natural objects; animal or objected is considered sacred, called a totem, thought to represent a family or clan and their ancestors

10. The Nature of Religion • Theism: belief in a god or gods; the god is considered a divine power worthy of worship • Monotheism: belief in one god • Polytheism: belief in more than one god • Ethicalism: based on the idea that moral principles have a sacred quality • Based on set of truths, principles and tolerance that serve as a guide to living a righteous life • Meditation and purity of thought and action

11. The Nature of Religion • Organizational Structure: ecclesia, denominations, sects, and cults • Ecclesia: people in the society are members by virtue of their birth • State church and aligned with the government • Fundamental Islam • Denomination: substantial number of population are members • Baptist and Presbyterian • Sect: small religious organization that typically split off from a denomination because of differences concerning beliefs • Jehovah Witnesses and Hassidic Jews • Cult: new religion whose beliefs and practices differ markedly from those of society's major religions

12. Religion in American Society Three Features: • Haven for religious freedom • Majority of Americans hold it in high regard • Separation of church and state

13. Religion in American Society • Religious Affiliation: • 90% believe in God, only 66% are affiliate with some religious organization • Three major faiths: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam • Religious Participation: • 34% attend religious services on a regular basis • Women, African-Americans, and older citizens more likely to attend

14. Religion in American Society • Religiosity: depth of people’s religious feelings and how they translate these feelings into behavior • People attend religious services for different reason • Only ½ of Americans considered themselves religious • Secular: many Americans are becoming secular, religion is losing its influence in everyday life

15. Religion in American Society • Fundamentalist Christianity: evangelical Christian groups on the rise • Believe in the complete accuracy of the Bible and interpret the Scripture literally; beliefs as one true religion • “born again”: personal salvation through conversion • Commitment to bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all nonbelievers

16. Religion in American Society • Fundamentalists Christians have organized to exert political influence • Donate money to political causes, attend political meetings, and campaign for politicians who share their beliefs • Opposition to abortion, homosexuality, gun control, and sexual permissiveness, and support prayer in school • Traditional family values • Urged fundamentalist to adopt “strategy of separation”: break away from mainstream to follow a Christian lifestyle • Selective separatists: remain part of mainstream by voting, working regular jobs, and paying taxes; home school their children, avoid all elements of popular culture, TV, music and movies; rejection notion of material possessions are necessary for a happy life