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Chapter 15 religion sociology

Terms in this set (23)

Animism
the religion that believes in the divinity of nonhuman beings, like animals, plants, and objects of the natural world
Atheism
Belief that there is no god.
Cults
religious groups that are small, secretive, and highly controlling of members and have a charismatic leader
Denomination
a large, mainstream religion that is not sponsored by the state
Ecclesia
a religion that is considered the state religion
established sect
sects that last but do not become denominations
Liberation Theology
the use of a church to promote social change via the political arena
megachurch
a Christian church that has a very large congregation averaging more than 2,000 people who attend regular weekly services
Monotheism
Belief in one God
Polytheism
Belief in many gods
Religion
A system of beliefs values and practices concerning What a person holds to be sacred or spiritually
religious beliefs
specific ideas that members of a particular faith hold to be true
religious experience
the conviction or sensation that one is connected to "the divine"
religious rituals
behaviors or practices that are either required for or expected of the members of a particular group
sect
a small new offshoot of a denomination
Totemism
belief in a divine connection between humans and other natural beings
Social theorist Emile Durkheim define religion
Unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things
Marks Weber believed religion
Could we use the force for social change
Karl Marx viewed religion as a tool used by
Capitalist society perpetuates inequality
Sociology approach to religion
Religion describes police values and practices related to sacred spiritual concerns it is an example of cultural universal because it is found in all societies in one form or another functionalism process theory interactionism help understand religion
Functionalist view of religion
Durkheim defines three major functions of religion:
1. social cohesion: unites people through shared symbolism, values, and norms, establishes rules of fair play
2. social control: "divine right", encourages people to obey cultural norms
3. providing meaning and purpose: our lives serve some greater purpose

Important needs for people including group cohesion example looking to pilgrims ram Kund. Religion also gives answers for spiritual mysteries offers emotional self comfort creates place for social interaction and social control of answers questions like why do we suffer how world created the afterlife
Conflict theorist view religion
Conflict theorist view religion as an institution the house maintain patters of social inequality
Example the Vatican having tremendous wealth well average Catholic parishioners is small
Religion has been used to support divine right and oppression of minors to justify unequal social structure example India's caste system

Power dynamic used by Christian institutions to keep poor poor and to teach them they shouldn't be concerned with the lack of because there a true reward is what comes after death

conflict theorist also points out those in power and religion are often able to dictate practices rituals and beliefs through interpretations of religious texts proclaiming direct communication with the divine
Symbolic interaction religion
To interactionist believe And experiences are not sacred unless individuals in the society regards them as secret symbols such as the star of David Cross of Christianity crescent and star Islam example of sacred symbols

List are interested in what the symbols communicate
The interaction between religious leaders and practicers

role of religion and ordinary components of our dear life

the way people expressed religious values and social interactions
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