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.
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.
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 ...
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.
Presentation providing information on anti-religious like illuminati and freemasonry etc . and the various movements against all types of religions from 1700's till now.
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
The Indian economy is classified into different sectors to simplify the analysis and understanding of economic activities. For Class 10, it's essential to grasp the sectors of the Indian economy, understand their characteristics, and recognize their importance. This guide will provide detailed notes on the Sectors of the Indian Economy Class 10, using specific long-tail keywords to enhance comprehension.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
Palestine last event orientationfvgnh .pptxRaedMohamed3
An EFL lesson about the current events in Palestine. It is intended to be for intermediate students who wish to increase their listening skills through a short lesson in power point.
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.
How to Make a Field invisible in Odoo 17Celine George
It is possible to hide or invisible some fields in odoo. Commonly using “invisible” attribute in the field definition to invisible the fields. This slide will show how to make a field invisible in odoo 17.
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
2. O Marxists are thought of seeing religion as
an entirely conservative ideology.
However, they recognise that religious
ideas can have ‘relative autonomy’. That
is, they can be partly independent of the
the economic base of society. So, they
conclude religion can have a dual
character.
3. O For example, Marx doesn’t entirely view
religion negatively: “It is capable of
humanising a world made inhuman by
exploitation”.
O Engels agrees that religion has a dual
character. It inhibits change, but it can
also encourage it. E.g. sometimes, it
preaches liberation from slavery and
misery.
4. The Principle of Hope
O Bloch accepts that religion often inhibits
change, but he emphasises that it can
inspire protest and rebellion. Religion can
create a vision of a better world, which, if
combines with politics, could bring about
social change (‘the principal of hope’).
5. Liberation Theology
This theology was committed to the poor and
opposed military dictatorships.
What led to this theology?
O The deepening of rural poverty and the
growth of urban slums
O The abuse of human rights (e.g. torture in
countries such as Brazil)
O The growing commitment of Catholic priests
to support an ideology that supported the poor
6. Liberation Theology
O The emphasis in liberation theology is on
‘praxis’ – practical action guided by theory.
O (An example of liberation theology is in El
Salvador – Archbishop Oscar Romero)
O Liberation theology set out to change
society…
7. Liberation Theology
O Priests helped the poor to set up support
groups called ‘base communities’
O They helped peasants to fight oppression
under the Church’s protection
O They educated the poor, raised
awareness and mobilised support.
8. Liberation Theology
O During the 1970s, the Catholic priest
resisted state terror and took the side of
the oppressed.
O During the 1980s, Pope John Paul II
condemned liberation theology on the
grounds that it resembled Marxism, and
told priests to focus on pastoral activities,
not political struggle.
O Since then, the movement has lost it’s
influence.
9. O However, Casanova says the theology
played an important role in resisting state
terror and bringing about democracy.
O Also, Maduro (neo-marxist) said religion
can be a revolutionary force to bring about
social change. E.g. peasants seeing
working for the poor was part of their
Christian duty.
O Löwy also questions Marx’s view that
religion legitimates social inequality.
10. O Löwy and Maduro see liberation theology
as an example of religiously inspired
social change.
O Marxists argue that it did not threaten the
stability of capitalism.
11. Millenarian Movements
O Because religion raises the hope of a
better after life, this could create a desire
to change things here and now.
O This movement refers to the idea that
Christ would come into the world for a
second time and rule for 1,000 years
before the day of judgement.
12. Millenarian Movements
OWorsley said such movements expect
total and imminent transformation of the
world by supernatural means. By creating
a heaven on Earth, the whole group will
be saved, not just individuals.
13. Millenarian Movements
O The appeal of this movement is largely to
the poor seeing as it promises immediate
improvement and arises in colonial
situations. Europe colonialism led to
economic exploitation and religious
domination. It shattered traditional tribal
structures and the cultures of colonised
people.
14. Cargo Cults
OWorsley studied cargo cults in Melanesia.
The islanders felt wrongfully deprived
when ‘cargo’ arrived in the islands for the
colonists. A series of cargo cults sprang
up during the 19th and 20th centuries and
said the cargo was meant for the natives
but had been diverted by the whites for
themselves. This unjust social order was
about to be overturned.
15. Millenarian Movements
OWorsley said the movements combined
elements of traditional beliefs with
elements of Christianity. The movements
are ‘pre-political’ (use religious images
and ideas, but they united native
populations in mass movements that
spanned tribal divisions)
O Engels argues millenarian movements
represent the first awakening of
‘proletarian self-consciousness’.
16. Religion and Hegemony
O Gramsci explains how the bourgeoisie
use religious ideas to maintain control
(‘hegemony’) through ideological
domination or leadership of society. When
hegemony is established, the bourgeoisie
can rely on popular consent to their rule,
so there is less need for coercion.
17. Religion and Hegemony
O However, hegemony is never guaranteed.
It is possible for the proletariats to develop
an alternative vision of how society should
be organised. Gramsci, like Engels, sees
religion as having a dual character and it
can challenge the bourgeoisie. Some
clergy can act as ‘organic intellectuals’ to
help workers see the situation they are in
and support working class organisations.
18. Religion and Class Conflict
Billings compares class struggle in two
communities of working class protestants.
O Militant miners
O Quiescent textile workers
19. Religion and Class Conflict
O He found three ways that religion is
supported or challenged by the employers’
hegemony…
20. Leadership
O The miners had leadership of organic
intellectuals, so they helped to convert the
miners to the union cause. Textile workers
didn’t have this so they were easily
influenced by the views of the clergy who
saw employers’ and denounced unions as
‘ungodly’.
21. Organisation
O Miners use independent churches to hold
meetings, but the textile workers had no
space but that run by mill owners.
22. Support
O The churches kept miners morale high
(through prayer/group meetings). Textile
workers met with opposition who branded
them as communists.
23. O Billings shows religion was an important
factor in class struggle but recognises that
other things played a role. For example,
the miners had teamwork for safety, so
had a strong solidarity.
O Religion can play a ‘prominent
oppositional role’ by defending status quo
or justifying the struggle to change it.