Sociologists define religion in three main ways - substantive, functional, and social constructionist. Substantive definitions focus on religious beliefs like belief in God or the supernatural. Functional definitions see religion as serving social or psychological functions. Social constructionist definitions say religion cannot be universally defined and definitions are contested and influenced by those in power. Durkheim saw religion as reinforcing social solidarity through rituals and collective worship. Malinowski and Parsons argued religion helps individuals cope with stress and finds meaning. Bellah's concept of civil religion described religion uniting American society through rituals like pledging allegiance. Lenin and Marx viewed religion as a tool for ruling classes to control populations by masking exploitation.
Sociology and Religion: Religion as a Social InstitutionRohan Byanjankar
The presentation covers: Definition of religion, components of religion, characteristics of religion, major religions of world, Views of Functionalist such as Durkheim, Views of Marx, Weberian Perspective; other related topics such as Religion and Suicide, Religion and Gender and so on.
I have compiled these notes from different resources. I am hopeful that these notes will help students who are willing to grab information on this subject for civil services exams or university exams. Good Luck
Sociology and Religion: Religion as a Social InstitutionRohan Byanjankar
The presentation covers: Definition of religion, components of religion, characteristics of religion, major religions of world, Views of Functionalist such as Durkheim, Views of Marx, Weberian Perspective; other related topics such as Religion and Suicide, Religion and Gender and so on.
I have compiled these notes from different resources. I am hopeful that these notes will help students who are willing to grab information on this subject for civil services exams or university exams. Good Luck
Topic Report on Understanding Culture Society and Politics prepared by Group 1 under the leadership of Coleen De Leon (Hermosa National High School, Hermosa Bataan Philippines)
FIGURE 15.1 Religions come in many forms, such as this large m.docxgreg1eden90113
FIGURE 15.1 Religions come in many forms, such as this large megachurch. (Credit: ToBeDaniel/Wikimedia
Commons)
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER OUTLINE
15.1 The Sociological Approach to Religion
15.2 World Religions
15.3 Religion in the United States
Why do sociologists study religion? For centuries, humankind has sought to understand and
explain the “meaning of life.” Many philosophers believe this contemplation and the desire to understand our
place in the universe are what differentiate humankind from other species. Religion, in one form or another,
has been found in all human societies since human societies first appeared. Archaeological digs have revealed
ritual objects, ceremonial burial sites, and other religious artifacts. Social conflict and even wars often result
from religious disputes. To understand a culture, sociologists must study its religion.
What is religion? Pioneer sociologist Émile Durkheim described it with the ethereal statement that it consists
of “things that surpass the limits of our knowledge” (1915). He went on to elaborate: Religion is “a unified
system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, that is to say set apart and forbidden, beliefs and
practices which unite into one single moral community, called a church, all those who adhere to them” (1915).
Some people associate religion with places of worship (a synagogue or church), others with a practice
(confession or meditation), and still others with a concept that guides their daily lives (like dharma or sin). All
these people can agree that religion is a system of beliefs, values, and practices concerning what a person
holds sacred or considers to be spiritually significant.
Does religion bring fear, wonder, relief, explanation of the unknown or control over freedom and choice? How
do our religious perspectives affect our behavior? These are questions sociologists ask and are reasons they
study religion. What are peoples' conceptions of the profane and the sacred? How do religious ideas affect the
real-world reactions and choices of people in a society?
15Religion
Religion can also serve as a filter for examining other issues in society and other components of a culture. For
example, after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and later in during the rise and predominant of the
terrorist group ISIS, it became important for teachers, church leaders, and the media to educate Americans
about Islam to prevent stereotyping and to promote religious tolerance. Sociological tools and methods, such
as surveys, polls, interviews, and analysis of historical data, can be applied to the study of religion in a culture
to help us better understand the role religion plays in people’s lives and the way it influences society.
15.1 The Sociological Approach to Religion
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this section, you should be able to:
• Discuss the historical view of religion from a sociological perspective
• Describe how the major sociological paradigms vie.
Essay 1 generally good content; but some issues with content as n.docxYASHU40
Essay 1: generally good content; but some issues with content as noted and some writing issues
Essay 2: good content, but writing issues in several places
Essay 3: good content, but lots of writing issues
Religion and Society
1. What is the “sociological perspective” and how does it impact the way we study religion? How is it different from non-social scientific (philosophical, theological) approaches to the study of religion? From other social scientific (psychological, anthropological) approaches?
The sociological perspective is a way of looking at religion that focuses on the human especially social aspects of religious belief and practice. It has two characteristics that separate it from non-scientific approaches to religion. It is empirical and objective. Sociologists usually try as much as possible to base their interpretations on empirical evidence. “They verify their images and explanations of social reality by experimental or experienced evidence. The objectivity in the sense that they do not attempt to evaluate accept or reject the content of religious beliefs .In the sociological perspective there is no religion that is superior to the other. One religion is not superior to another. Indeed the perspective does not presume the merits of religious over non-religious approaches. But if a religion has ideas on these subjects, it examines them and tries to understand them.
There are two central sociological perspectives which are: substantative and functional. Substantative tries to establish what religion is. It attempts to establish categories of religious content that qualify as religion and other categories specific as non-religion. Functional describes what religion does. It emphasizes what religion does for individual and social group. Accordingly religion is defined by the social functions it fulfills in the society
It emphasizes on the provision of meaning because the establishing of shared meaning is an essentially social event.
The sociological perspective impacts on the way we study religion in various ways. The aspects of the sociological perspective on religion may create elude a bad feeling to students who find their cherished beliefs and practices dispassionately treated as object of study as stipulated in (http://fasnafan.tripod.com/religion.pdf).Normal human beings due to their nature tend to feel bad when they find their religion becoming the subject of discussion and study. They feel that those people are abusing and disregarding their religion. It may be disturbing to have one’s own religion treated as comparable to other religions and not as superior or uniquely true.maybe maybe not---you need proof to make this claim--not just ideas
Also true, but awkward writingwhat the sociologist and the believer hold about a certain religion may be contradicting. What is central to the sociologist may be irrelevant and uninteresting to th ...
15 ReligionFigure 15.1 Religions come in many forms, such .docxaulasnilda
15 Religion
Figure 15.1 Religions come in many forms, such as this large megachurch. (Photo courtesy of ToBeDaniel/Wikimedia Commons)
Learning Objectives
15.1. The Sociological Approach to Religion
• Discuss the historical view of religion from a sociological perspective
• Understand how the major sociological paradigms view religion
15.2. World Religions
• Explain the differences between various types of religious organizations
• Understand classifications of religion, like animism, polytheism, monotheism, and atheism
• Describe several major world religions
15.3. Religion in the United States
• Give examples of religion as an agent of social change
• Describe current U.S. trends including megachurches and secularization
Introduction to Religion
Why do sociologists study religion? For centuries, humankind has sought to understand and explain the “meaning of life.”
Many philosophers believe this contemplation and the desire to understand our place in the universe are what differentiate
humankind from other species. Religion, in one form or another, has been found in all human societies since human
societies first appeared. Archaeological digs have revealed ritual objects, ceremonial burial sites, and other religious
artifacts. Social conflict and even wars often result from religious disputes. To understand a culture, sociologists must
study its religion.
What is religion? Pioneer sociologist Émile Durkheim described it with the ethereal statement that it consists of “things
that surpass the limits of our knowledge” (1915). He went on to elaborate: Religion is “a unified system of beliefs and
practices relative to sacred things, that is to say set apart and forbidden, beliefs and practices which unite into one single
moral community, called a church, all those who adhere to them” (1915). Some people associate religion with places of
worship (a synagogue or church), others with a practice (confession or meditation), and still others with a concept that
Chapter 15 | Religion 333
guides their daily lives (like dharma or sin). All these people can agree that religion is a system of beliefs, values, and
practices concerning what a person holds sacred or considers to be spiritually significant.
Does religion bring fear, wonder, relief, explanation of the unknown or control over freedom and choice? How do our
religious perspectives affect our behavior? These are questions sociologists ask and are reasons they study religion. What
are peoples' conceptions of the profane and the sacred? How do religious ideas affect the real-world reactions and choices
of people in a society?
Religion can also serve as a filter for examining other issues in society and other components of a culture. For example,
after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, it became important for teachers, church leaders, and the media to educate
Americans about Islam to prevent stereotyping and to promote religious tolerance. Sociological tools and methods, suc ...
An Invitation to the Study of World Religions Chapter 1ProfessorWatson
Exploring Chapter 1: An Invitation to the Study of World Relgions
Invitation to World Religions (2nd Edition)
Authors: Jeffrey Brodd, Layne Little, Brad Nystrom, Robert Platzner, Richard Shek, Erin Stiles
This power point helps Anthropology students to understand about anthropology of religion.
Mr. Kebede Lemu (Lecturer of Social Anthropology, Bule Hora University)
IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science is a double blind peer reviewed International Journal edited by International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR).The Journal provides a common forum where all aspects of humanities and social sciences are presented. IOSR-JHSS publishes original papers, review papers, conceptual framework, analytical and simulation models, case studies, empirical research, technical notes etc.
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
Synthetic fiber production is a fascinating and complex field that blends chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By understanding these aspects, students can gain a comprehensive view of synthetic fiber production, its impact on society and the environment, and the potential for future innovations. Synthetic fibers play a crucial role in modern society, impacting various aspects of daily life, industry, and the environment. ynthetic fibers are integral to modern life, offering a range of benefits from cost-effectiveness and versatility to innovative applications and performance characteristics. While they pose environmental challenges, ongoing research and development aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Understanding the importance of synthetic fibers helps in appreciating their role in the economy, industry, and daily life, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation.
Read| The latest issue of The Challenger is here! We are thrilled to announce that our school paper has qualified for the NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRESS CONFERENCE (NSPC) 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Dive into the stories that made us stand out!
Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology:
Ethnobotany in herbal drug evaluation,
Impact of Ethnobotany in traditional medicine,
New development in herbals,
Bio-prospecting tools for drug discovery,
Role of Ethnopharmacology in drug evaluation,
Reverse Pharmacology.
Instructions for Submissions thorugh G- Classroom.pptxJheel Barad
This presentation provides a briefing on how to upload submissions and documents in Google Classroom. It was prepared as part of an orientation for new Sainik School in-service teacher trainees. As a training officer, my goal is to ensure that you are comfortable and proficient with this essential tool for managing assignments and fostering student engagement.
This is a presentation by Dada Robert in a Your Skill Boost masterclass organised by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan (EFSS) on Saturday, the 25th and Sunday, the 26th of May 2024.
He discussed the concept of quality improvement, emphasizing its applicability to various aspects of life, including personal, project, and program improvements. He defined quality as doing the right thing at the right time in the right way to achieve the best possible results and discussed the concept of the "gap" between what we know and what we do, and how this gap represents the areas we need to improve. He explained the scientific approach to quality improvement, which involves systematic performance analysis, testing and learning, and implementing change ideas. He also highlighted the importance of client focus and a team approach to quality improvement.
Students, digital devices and success - Andreas Schleicher - 27 May 2024..pptxEduSkills OECD
Andreas Schleicher presents at the OECD webinar ‘Digital devices in schools: detrimental distraction or secret to success?’ on 27 May 2024. The presentation was based on findings from PISA 2022 results and the webinar helped launch the PISA in Focus ‘Managing screen time: How to protect and equip students against distraction’ https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/managing-screen-time_7c225af4-en and the OECD Education Policy Perspective ‘Students, digital devices and success’ can be found here - https://oe.cd/il/5yV
How to Create Map Views in the Odoo 17 ERPCeline George
The map views are useful for providing a geographical representation of data. They allow users to visualize and analyze the data in a more intuitive manner.
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
2. Defining Religion Sociologist define religion in three main ways: substantive, functional and social constructionist.
3.
4. Substantive definitions are exclusive– drawing a clear line between religious and non-religious beliefs. To be a religion, a set of beliefs must believe in God or the supernatural.
11. say it is NOT possible to produce a single universal definition of religion since so many different religions exist & there is no consensus on the term ‘religion’ amongst any of them.
12. They are interested in how definitions are constructed, challenged & fought over.
13. Alan Aldridge (2007) argues Scientology is a legitimate religion despite many governments saying it is illegal & have tried to ban it.
14.
15. Check your learning In pairs, 10 minutes. Make a list of similarities and differences between attending a football match and a religious service. Is it fair to compare attending a football match to a religious experience? Why/why not?
16. Durkheim and religion Functionalist, 1858-1917. Developed the idea that religious institutions play a central role in creating and maintaining value consensus, order and solidarity in society. He is known for three contributions to the theory of religion: The Sacred and the Profane Totemism The Collective Conscience
17. The Sacred and the Profane Sacred are things which are things which are set apart & forbidden, inspire feelings of awe, fear & wonder. Surrounded by taboos & prohibitions. Profane have no special significance– it is the ordinary & mundane. This plays hand in hand with the rituals & practices that support & reinforce the religious belief in the sacred, collectively done rituals performed by a group.
18. Totemism Durkheim studied clan society. Particularly the Arunta, an Australian Aboriginal Tribe with a clan system. Consisted of bands of kin who came together to periodically perform rituals involving worship of a sacred totem. The totem is the clans emblem, typically a plant or animal and symbolises the clan’s origins and identity. The rituals serve to reinforce the groups solidarity and sense of belonging.
19. Totemism analysis Worshipping a totem is the same as worshipping their society, even if they are not aware of it. Totem inspires feelings of awe in the clan’s members since it represents the power of the group on which they are totally ‘utterly dependent’.
20. The Collective conscience Sacred symbols represent society’s collective conscience. Collective Conscience is the shared norms and values, beliefs and knowledge that make social life and cooperation between individuals possible. Without this, society would disintegrate according to Durkheim. Durkheim says regular shared religious rituals reinforce the collective conscience and maintain social integration. Shared rituals remind them that they are part of a single moral community to which they owe their loyalty. Benefits the individuals by making them realise there is something greater than themselves.
21. Malinowski and Psychological Function Agrees with Durkheim that religion promotes social solidarity. Malinowski says it happens because religion performs a psychological function for individuals, helping them to cope with stress which would otherwise undermine their solidarity with wider society. Identifies 2 situations where religion fills this role: Where the outcome is important but is uncontrollable and thus uncertain. Fishing example, pg. 11 At times of life crisis. Birth, death, marriage etc…
22. Check Your Understanding In what ways might the birth of a new baby disrupt social relationships? Discuss.
23. Parsons: Values and Meaning Sees religion much as Malinowski does, with religion helping people to cope with unforeseen events. Identifies 2 other essential functions: Creates and legitimates society’s central values. Is the primary source of meaning. Religion creates and legitimates society’s basic norms and values by sacralising them. Religion answers ‘ultimate’ questions about the human condition– why do good people suffer or die at an early age? Religion answers that suffering is a test of faith etc…
24. Robert Bellah: Civil Religion Active sociologist in1970s. Interested in howreligion unites society. Particularly interested in the US due to its multi-faith culture, or ‘melting pot’ approach to society. American society is an overarching civil religion given that it is based on a belief system that attaches sacred qualities to society itself. Example: Faith in the ‘American way of life’ Argues civil religion is better at integrating society than individual religions. Civil religion is expressed by pledges like pledge allegiance to the flag, singing the national anthem, and even on the money– ‘one nation, under God’. These ritualistic ideas create a false consciousness.
25. Bellah and Civil religion Continued false consciousnessis a distorted view of reality that prevents the poor from acting to change their circumstances. Might be seen as anti-patriotic Might be seen as a malcontent or ‘bad American’
26. Lenin (1870-1924) Religion seen as a Spiritual Gin Spiritual Gin: an intoxicant dolled out to the masses by the ruling class to confuse and control them by keeping them in their places, as lower and poorer. Lenin argues the ruling class uses religion to manipulate the masses which keeps them from attempting to overthrow their oppressors (ruling class) by creating a ‘mystical fog’ that distorts their reality.
27. Lenin’s Mystical Fog: A Look into History Religion legitimates the power and privilege of ruling class, and appear to be divinely ordained. 16th century ‘Divine Right of Kings’ makes royalty God’s direct representative on earth. King is thus owed total obedience; disobedience is not only illegal, but a sin against God himself.
28. Marx: Religion and Alienation Active in 1844. Religion as the product of alienation. Alienation involved becoming separated form or losing control over something you have produced or created. Alienation exists in all class societies, but it is more acute in those which are capitalist. Workers are alienated since they do not own what they produce, have no say over the method of production and thus no ability to express themselves or creativity.
29. Marx: Dehumanisation and Exploit These are dehumanising and exploitive conditions, so the exploited turn to religion for consolation. This is where the phrase ‘Opiate of the Masses’ originated. Religion is the opium of the people; in other words, it dulls the pain of exploitation. Religion thus masks or dulls the pain, but does not treat the cause, thus religion masks the underlying problem of exploitation that creates the need for it. Because religion is a distorted view of the world it cannot offer any real, tangible solution to earthly misery.
30. Evaluating Marx Religion as a tool for oppression, which masks exploitation and creates false conciseness. He ignores any positive function of religion– like psychological adjustment to misfortune. Some Neo-Marxists see certain types of religion as helping and not hindering class consciousness. Religion does not necessarily function well as an ideology to control a population.