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Postmodernism is characterized by the erosion of traditional beliefs and standards, a blurring of realities, and the growth of individualism. This has led to a crisis of meaning and a decline in established religions and their monopoly on truth. In their place, individuals now pick and choose from a diverse range of beliefs to personally construct their own meaning, identities and philosophies, like assembling a DIY cocktail of religion.
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8 mediation and spirituality in the postmodern context
This document discusses spirituality and mediation in a postmodern context. It explores themes of worship, implicit religion, and global awareness. Resources on Christian mission, postmodern values, and emerging forms of worship are presented. Spirituality is described as a personal exploration of meaning, sensitivity to others, and connection to God. In postmodernity, spirituality is constructed through temporary communal allegiances, consumer identity, and human interest stories of individual biographical experiences.
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SociologyExchange.co.uk Shared Resource
This document discusses several theories about whether religion is declining or changing in postmodern society. It examines the ideas of Grace Davie who argues that religion has become more privatized and people can have religious beliefs without regular church attendance. It also looks at theories from Danielle Hervieu-Leger about cultural amnesia around religion and how people have become "spiritual shoppers." Finally, it analyzes religious market theory from Stark and Bainbridge that views religion meeting human needs and declining churches being replaced by new sects and cults, similar to business competition in a free market. The document provides criticisms of each theory and examples used to support or question the different perspectives on religious trends.
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Globalization allows religions to more easily spread their teachings through improved communication and transportation technologies. Websites, television, and other media provide opportunities for religious groups to disseminate their beliefs worldwide. However, globalization can also threaten religious traditions by weakening cultural practices and values through exposure to foreign consumerism. The relationship between religion and globalization is complex, with both potential benefits of cultural exchange and risks of eroding local customs and identities.
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Globalization has led to rapid economic growth and rising prosperity in India, creating an urban middle class. However, contrary to predictions, this class has become more religious rather than less. Hinduism legitimates Indian nationalism and the middle class's newfound consumerism. It reconciles traditional renunciation of desires with materialism by teaching that desires reflect divinity when used to motivate work. Similarly, modernized versions of Hinduism allow rituals to "spiritually balance" consumerism. This has contributed to a "Hindu ultra-nationalism" but also widening divisions with religious minorities.
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This document discusses various perspectives on the study of religion from an objective point of view. It defines religion as a system of socially shared symbols, beliefs, and rituals directed toward a sacred realm. It also classifies different types of religious beliefs such as polytheism, monotheism, animism, and discusses social organizations of religion including ecclesia, denominations, sects, and new religious movements. The document also discusses functionalist and conflict perspectives on the relationship between religion and society, highlighting the views of Marx, Weber, and Stark.
SociologyExchange.co.uk Shared Resource
Younger people in Britain are less religious than older generations. 36% of 18-34 year olds identify as atheist or agnostic, and 65% of young people are not religious. Many young people find religious organizations unattractive because they view the services as boring, old-fashioned, and full of old people. They also see some religious stances as out of touch with their values. Young people may turn away from conventional religion and instead explore spirituality through more diverse and accessible sources outside traditional organizations. They also tend to privatize their beliefs and not feel the need to belong to a specific religion. The declining influence of religious education and activities like Sunday school also contributes to younger generations being less religious than their
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This document discusses several theories about whether religion is declining or changing in postmodern society. It examines the ideas of Grace Davie who argues that religion has become more privatized and people can have religious beliefs without regular church attendance. It also looks at theories from Danielle Hervieu-Leger about cultural amnesia around religion and how people have become "spiritual shoppers." Finally, it analyzes religious market theory from Stark and Bainbridge that views religion meeting human needs and declining churches being replaced by new sects and cults, similar to business competition in a free market. The document provides criticisms of each theory and examples used to support or question the different perspectives on religious trends.
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Globalization has led to rapid economic growth and rising prosperity in India, creating an urban middle class. However, contrary to predictions, this class has become more religious rather than less. Hinduism legitimates Indian nationalism and the middle class's newfound consumerism. It reconciles traditional renunciation of desires with materialism by teaching that desires reflect divinity when used to motivate work. Similarly, modernized versions of Hinduism allow rituals to "spiritually balance" consumerism. This has contributed to a "Hindu ultra-nationalism" but also widening divisions with religious minorities.
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SociologyExchange.co.uk Shared Resource
Younger people in Britain are less religious than older generations. 36% of 18-34 year olds identify as atheist or agnostic, and 65% of young people are not religious. Many young people find religious organizations unattractive because they view the services as boring, old-fashioned, and full of old people. They also see some religious stances as out of touch with their values. Young people may turn away from conventional religion and instead explore spirituality through more diverse and accessible sources outside traditional organizations. They also tend to privatize their beliefs and not feel the need to belong to a specific religion. The declining influence of religious education and activities like Sunday school also contributes to younger generations being less religious than their
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The document discusses different perspectives on secularization and the role of religion in modern societies. It questions whether secularization is truly happening, noting that many religions have grown since World War II. It explores potential "engines" of secularization like the Protestant Reformation, rise of nation states, capitalism and scientific revolution. It also considers whether religion has truly been privatized or taken on more creative forms of resistance beyond being a last gasp of fundamentalism.
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This document outlines different types of religious organizations:
- Churches are large with millions of members and are linked to the state. They see their interpretation as correct.
- Sects are small and exclusive, demanding real commitment from members. They see themselves as having the monopoly on truth.
- Denominations are between churches and sects - they are less exclusive and tolerant of other religions.
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The religious market theory proposed by Stark and Bainbridge argues that religion behaves like a market, with demand for religion remaining constant but demand for specific religions varying. They believe secularization theory overlooks religious revival cycles.
Norris and Inglehart propose the existential security theory, arguing that variation in religiosity is better explained by differences in levels of existential security - the feeling of survival being secure. Religiosity is higher in societies with more insecurity due to factors like poverty, disease, and inequality, and lower in wealthy societies with strong welfare states that reduce insecurity.
Postmodernity
This document discusses several theories that challenge the idea that religion is declining with modernization and secularization. It presents the views of scholars like Davie, Hervieu-Leger, and Lyon who argue that religion is not declining but changing form. Davie introduces the concepts of "believing without belonging" and "vicarious religion" to describe how people still hold religious beliefs but do not regularly attend services. Hervieu-Leger describes the rise of "spiritual shopping" where individuals construct their own beliefs rather than inheriting traditional religious identities. Lyon argues that in postmodern society, religion has become relocated through media, consumerized as people pick and mix beliefs, and the world has become re-enchanted with
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Bruce argues that America is becoming increasingly secular based on three pieces of evidence: declining church attendance, secularization from within religious institutions, and growing religious diversity and relativism. He cites studies showing that reported church attendance rates have remained steady at 40% but have actually been declining based on churches' own records. Additionally, American religion has become more psychologized, focused on personal improvement rather than salvation, and less committed to traditional beliefs. Religious views have also become more relativistic and accepting of different beliefs.
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1) The New Age movement emerged from 1960s counterculture as young people rebelled against traditional institutions and embraced Eastern religious beliefs. 2) It combines elements of Eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism with Western occult ideas like magic, astrology, and channeling spirits. 3) The movement aims to turn people away from organized religion and belief in God, instead promoting spiritual beliefs outside any formal doctrine.
Globalization and religion
Globalization has interconnected religion and technology, allowing religions to spread more efficiently across borders. Religions use various technological tools like books, movies, apps and social media to teach beliefs globally. This has led to new developments as small religions can now engage in overseas activities. While globalization allows wider religious access, it has also enabled the expansion of extremist ideas and terrorist recruitment through online sermons and communication networks. In conclusion, globalization will likely continue impacting religion as cultures and ideas spread through advancing technology, both positively and negatively.
SociologyExchange.co.uk Shared Resource
The document discusses arguments for secularization from three perspectives:
1) A decline in religious thinking and belief as rationality and science have become more influential.
2) A decline in religious practice as seen by decreasing rates of attendance at religious ceremonies and participation in sacraments.
3) A decline in the power and influence of religious institutions as they adapt traditions and see declining vocations to the clergy.
Secularisation
The document discusses secularization, defined as changing something from religious control or influence to a non-religious status. It outlines five characteristics of secularization including declining religious participation and loss of prestige of religious institutions. It presents the secularization thesis that industrialization and modernization inevitably lead to secularization. However, criticisms argue this overlooks variations between societies and new religious movements in secular societies. Contemporary views show an ongoing debate around secularization trends.
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This document discusses the rise of self-expression in American culture starting in the 1960s-70s and the religious and political responses to it. It describes how psychology and television led to a focus on personal fulfillment over self-denial. This caused mainstream churches to decline while evangelical churches grew. It also led to the rise of the Religious Right and megachurches catering to personal tastes. The document contrasts traditionalists who saw this as moral decline with liberationists who saw it as freedom, dividing the nation.
SociologyExchange.co.uk Shared Resource
This document discusses the role of religion in economic development in a globalizing world. It provides several examples:
1) In India, Hinduism has legitimized the rise of Hindu nationalism and the prosperity of the Indian middle class. Despite secularization, the urban middle class remains religious.
2) In East Asia, concepts similar to the Protestant work ethic in religions like Confucianism have encouraged values like hard work that contributed to economic growth.
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Beliefs in Society AQA Sociology Paper 2
The document discusses different sociological perspectives on defining and understanding religion. It covers substantive, functional, and social constructionist definitions of religion. It also examines various sociologists' perspectives such as Durkheim, Malinowski, Parsons, and Bellah. Additionally, it analyzes Marxist, feminist, and other critical perspectives that view religion as an ideological tool for legitimizing power structures in society.
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Secularization sociology
The document discusses different perspectives on secularization and the role of religion in modern societies. It questions whether secularization is truly happening, noting that many religions have grown since World War II. It explores potential "engines" of secularization like the Protestant Reformation, rise of nation states, capitalism and scientific revolution. It also considers whether religion has truly been privatized or taken on more creative forms of resistance beyond being a last gasp of fundamentalism.
A2 Sociology Beliefs - Religious Organisations and Movements
This document outlines different types of religious organizations:
- Churches are large with millions of members and are linked to the state. They see their interpretation as correct.
- Sects are small and exclusive, demanding real commitment from members. They see themselves as having the monopoly on truth.
- Denominations are between churches and sects - they are less exclusive and tolerant of other religions.
- Cults are loosely organized, individualistic groups that are seen as deviant by wider society.
Religious Market & Existential Security
The religious market theory proposed by Stark and Bainbridge argues that religion behaves like a market, with demand for religion remaining constant but demand for specific religions varying. They believe secularization theory overlooks religious revival cycles.
Norris and Inglehart propose the existential security theory, arguing that variation in religiosity is better explained by differences in levels of existential security - the feeling of survival being secure. Religiosity is higher in societies with more insecurity due to factors like poverty, disease, and inequality, and lower in wealthy societies with strong welfare states that reduce insecurity.
Postmodernity
This document discusses several theories that challenge the idea that religion is declining with modernization and secularization. It presents the views of scholars like Davie, Hervieu-Leger, and Lyon who argue that religion is not declining but changing form. Davie introduces the concepts of "believing without belonging" and "vicarious religion" to describe how people still hold religious beliefs but do not regularly attend services. Hervieu-Leger describes the rise of "spiritual shopping" where individuals construct their own beliefs rather than inheriting traditional religious identities. Lyon argues that in postmodern society, religion has become relocated through media, consumerized as people pick and mix beliefs, and the world has become re-enchanted with
Secularisation
Secularization can be defined as the decline of religion where religious beliefs, practices, and institutions lose importance or influence in society. Based on evidence from the 1851 census, it is estimated that 40% or more of Britain's adult population attended church on Sundays, compared to much lower rates today. Some key changes that have occurred include a decline in the proportion going to church, an increase in the average age of churchgoers, fewer baptisms and church weddings, a decline in traditional Christian beliefs, and greater religious diversity. In 1966, Bryan Wilson argued that Western societies had been undergoing a long-term process of secularization defined as religion losing social significance, as seen in the decline of church attendance in Britain from 40
Ch.27 contextual evangelism strategies
This document discusses the need for contextual evangelism strategies due to declining church involvement and rising societal issues. It outlines how the gospel message should be presented in a way that is understandable within the sociocultural context of the target audience. Key aspects of contextualization include understanding the audience's worldview, cultural practices, and communication patterns in order to effectively share an uncompromised gospel message. The strategy emphasizes preparation through prayer, making evangelism a core church purpose, and regularly reviewing/revising the approach.
Secularisation in America
Bruce argues that America is becoming increasingly secular based on three pieces of evidence: declining church attendance, secularization from within religious institutions, and growing religious diversity and relativism. He cites studies showing that reported church attendance rates have remained steady at 40% but have actually been declining based on churches' own records. Additionally, American religion has become more psychologized, focused on personal improvement rather than salvation, and less committed to traditional beliefs. Religious views have also become more relativistic and accepting of different beliefs.
A superstitious religion in modern times, the new age. english
1) The New Age movement emerged from 1960s counterculture as young people rebelled against traditional institutions and embraced Eastern religious beliefs. 2) It combines elements of Eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism with Western occult ideas like magic, astrology, and channeling spirits. 3) The movement aims to turn people away from organized religion and belief in God, instead promoting spiritual beliefs outside any formal doctrine.
Globalization and religion
Globalization has interconnected religion and technology, allowing religions to spread more efficiently across borders. Religions use various technological tools like books, movies, apps and social media to teach beliefs globally. This has led to new developments as small religions can now engage in overseas activities. While globalization allows wider religious access, it has also enabled the expansion of extremist ideas and terrorist recruitment through online sermons and communication networks. In conclusion, globalization will likely continue impacting religion as cultures and ideas spread through advancing technology, both positively and negatively.
SociologyExchange.co.uk Shared Resource
The document discusses arguments for secularization from three perspectives:
1) A decline in religious thinking and belief as rationality and science have become more influential.
2) A decline in religious practice as seen by decreasing rates of attendance at religious ceremonies and participation in sacraments.
3) A decline in the power and influence of religious institutions as they adapt traditions and see declining vocations to the clergy.
Secularisation
The document discusses secularization, defined as changing something from religious control or influence to a non-religious status. It outlines five characteristics of secularization including declining religious participation and loss of prestige of religious institutions. It presents the secularization thesis that industrialization and modernization inevitably lead to secularization. However, criticisms argue this overlooks variations between societies and new religious movements in secular societies. Contemporary views show an ongoing debate around secularization trends.
Secularisation (Part 1): Britain
AQA A2 Sociology. Secularisation in America and criticisms of the secularisation theory in my next upload!
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This document discusses the rise of self-expression in American culture starting in the 1960s-70s and the religious and political responses to it. It describes how psychology and television led to a focus on personal fulfillment over self-denial. This caused mainstream churches to decline while evangelical churches grew. It also led to the rise of the Religious Right and megachurches catering to personal tastes. The document contrasts traditionalists who saw this as moral decline with liberationists who saw it as freedom, dividing the nation.
SociologyExchange.co.uk Shared Resource
This document discusses the role of religion in economic development in a globalizing world. It provides several examples:
1) In India, Hinduism has legitimized the rise of Hindu nationalism and the prosperity of the Indian middle class. Despite secularization, the urban middle class remains religious.
2) In East Asia, concepts similar to the Protestant work ethic in religions like Confucianism have encouraged values like hard work that contributed to economic growth.
3) Research found similarities between the Protestant work ethic and values promoted by Latin American Pentecostalism that can encourage productivity.
4) Pentecostalism's ability to incorporate local customs has contributed to its success in developing countries
Religion, Very Final
This chapter discusses religion from a sociological perspective. It provides an overview of the sociological study of religion and perspectives on religion. It also discusses world religions, types of religious organizations, trends in religion in the US, and the future of religion. Key topics covered include the functions of religion, civil religion, secularization, debates around the separation of church and state, and major world religions like Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism.
Religious Organisations
This document discusses various typologies for classifying religious organizations, including churches, sects, denominations, and cults. It summarizes the views of scholars like Troeltsch, Niebuhr, Wallis, Stark and Bainbridge on how these religious groups can be categorized based on factors like their relationship with wider society, commitment level demanded of members, exclusivity of beliefs, and leadership structure. The document also examines explanations for the growth of new religious movements in recent decades, such as marginalization, relative deprivation, and social change. It outlines theories on the typical life cycle and dynamics of sects over time as well as examples of established sects that have endured.
3 types of theology g o collins
The document outlines three styles of contemporary theology - sitting, walking, and kneeling. The sitting style is theoretical and academic, focusing on doctrine and truth. The walking style is praxis-oriented and aimed at liberation, focusing on the poor and marginalized. The kneeling style is contemplative, focusing on prayer and worship both personally and communally.
Beliefs in Society AQA Sociology Paper 2
The document discusses different sociological perspectives on defining and understanding religion. It covers substantive, functional, and social constructionist definitions of religion. It also examines various sociologists' perspectives such as Durkheim, Malinowski, Parsons, and Bellah. Additionally, it analyzes Marxist, feminist, and other critical perspectives that view religion as an ideological tool for legitimizing power structures in society.
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A2 Sociology Beliefs - Religious Organisations and Movements
A2 Sociology Beliefs - Religious Organisations and Movements
A superstitious religion in modern times, the new age. english
A superstitious religion in modern times, the new age. english
Politics as a noble calling church history ii lesson 7
Politics as a noble calling church history ii lesson 7
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Postmodern theorists argue that crime is a social construction that reflects the views of those in power in a given society. They propose redefining crime more broadly as any actions that cause harm or repress future human development. This recognizes behaviors beyond legal definitions and accounts for disrespect towards others' identities. However, postmodernism does not adequately explain why most people do not harm others or address issues of justice for all members of society.
Religious Fundamentalism and Cultural Defence
The document discusses religious fundamentalism and its relationship to globalization. It identifies five key characteristics of religious fundamentalism, including seeking to return to traditional beliefs and avoiding contact with those holding different views. Fundamentalism is seen as a reaction against a globalizing world that undermines traditional social norms by providing certainty in an uncertain environment. Two types of responses to postmodernity are identified: resistant identity through fundamentalism and project identity through engagement with social movements. Criticisms of analyses of fundamentalism are discussed, including that they overlook hybrid religious movements and differences between types of fundamentalism. The document explores the origins and examples of fundamentalism in the West and Third World.
Postmodernism and education
This document discusses the key aspects of postmodernism and post-Fordism. It contrasts the modern Fordist model of mass production and standardized education with the postmodern shift to flexible specialization in production and customized, lifelong education. Some key aspects of postmodernism highlighted include the fragmentation of society, the death of overarching narratives, and the relativity of truth. Education is argued to be moving away from a one-size-fits-all model controlled by the state towards one that is more diverse, customized to individuals, and focused on developing transferable skills.
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This document defines and discusses religious fundamentalism. It begins by defining fundamentalism from different sources and exploring the roots of the term in Christianity. It then examines different types of religious fundamentalism like Islamic, Christian, Hindu and Jewish fundamentalism. The document discusses the effects of fundamentalism, like spreading terrorist activities and violence. It concludes by noting that while some see fundamentalism as threatening modern society, religions generally do not promote war or killing except in self-defense.
Fundamentalism
Presentation prepared for a series of lectures on Fundamentalism for PS 240 introduction to Political Theory at the University of Kentucky, Spring 2007. Dr. Christopher S. Rice, Instructor.
A2 Sociological Theory: Postmodernism Feminism & Scientific Sociology
A2 Sociological Theory: Postmodernism Feminism & Scientific SociologyApril Lennox-Hill's Sociology Lessons
Postmodernists argue against the notion of a scientific sociology because they see science as just one narrative among many, and its claims of truth are no more valid than any other perspective. Scientific sociology makes false claims of having the sole truth and forms a domination that can exclude other views. Some feminists also argue that a single scientific feminist theory and quantitative methods favored by positivists are oppressive and cannot capture women's experiences. Additionally, science has not always led to progress and dangers created by science like nuclear weapons undermine the idea that it inevitably benefits humanity, so sociology should not adopt it as a model.Unit 3 Sociology: Beliefs in society
Religion plays complex and varied roles in society according to different sociological perspectives. Functionalists view religion as primarily serving conservative functions by promoting social solidarity and stability. However, Marxists see religion as an ideological tool used by the ruling class to legitimate inequality. Feminists argue that most religions reflect and reinforce patriarchal values and the subordination of women. Some sociologists such as Weber view religion as capable of driving social change, while others see it more as a conservative force seeking to maintain traditional beliefs and social structures. Debates also exist around secularization and the declining importance of religion in modern societies.
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Similar to SociologyExchange.co.uk Shared Resource
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This document discusses reasons for declining religious attraction among young people. It suggests that religious organizations are seen as boring, outdated, and out of touch with modern values. Additionally, young people treat religion as a private matter and are exposed to a wide variety of spiritual beliefs and identities. Each new generation is becoming more secular as religious socialization and education declines.
Religion meliza powerpoin
Religion is a collection of beliefs and practices that relate humanity to spiritual matters. There are approximately 4,200 religions worldwide. Sociological theories provide perspectives on religion's role in society from symbolic interactionism to functionalism and conflict theory. Religion and magic were once intertwined but western monotheism separated them. Faith dispels doubt while religion risks losing touch. Religions fulfill functions like facilitating morality and social cohesion. Religious organizations include movements, denominations, sects and cults. Major world religions and their future decline are also discussed.
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This document discusses evidence presented against the idea of secularization in society. It points to the rise of new religious movements and sects as a form of "resacralization" as traditional religions decline. However, others argue that these smaller religious groups have little real impact and mainly appeal to outsiders. The document also notes evidence of "individuation" where people pick and choose religious beliefs rather than belonging to institutions, but some data shows declining attendance and belief. Fundamentalist religious ideas are growing in some areas, but may only appear significant because they stand out in an otherwise secular context. Finally, cultural defense of identity or support in cultural transition can boost religion, but this may be due to its role in identity rather than
SociologyExchange.co.uk Shared Resource
This document provides an overview of key perspectives on the sociology of religion including:
1) Functionalism which sees religion as fulfilling important social functions like strengthening social solidarity. Theorists discussed include Durkheim, Malinowski, and Parsons.
2) Criticisms of functionalism note its emphasis only on positive functions and inability to explain religion's origins.
3) Marxism views religion as maintaining capitalist rule and oppressing the working class. Neo-Marxism sees examples where religion encouraged liberation and social change.
4) Postmodernism argues religion has declined due to factors like increased information, consumerism and globalization, though some seek strict fundamentalism in response to change
WEEK 1 IWRBS PPT.pptx
This document provides an introduction to world religions and belief systems. It begins with a pretest to assess the reader's understanding. It then defines key terms like worldview, belief system, religion, spirituality, and theology. It discusses how worldviews are shaped by religions and describes some major belief systems like monism, monotheism, atheism, polytheism, and theism. The document also explores the relationship between religion and geography, noting how many major faiths originated in Asia and were then spread by geographical factors. It provides examples of sacred places in different religious traditions and discusses the interplay between culture and religion.
The Forum Online Event: The Incoherent Notion of “Tolerant” Indifference Appl...
The Forum Online Event: The Incoherent Notion of “Tolerant” Indifference Appl...Third Column Ministries
Guest Bruce Boeckel with Evidence for Christ
The demand for “tolerance” in today’s society is an item in an ideological programme rather than an actual commitment to accept or at least consider new and different ideas. In addition, the demand for “tolerance” makes little sense when that demand is made of a monotheistic religion committed to the truth of an exclusive divine revelation. In other words, for historic and orthodox Christians, the demand that we be “tolerant” reveals that those making the demand either understand nothing about Christianity or that they do understand and demand that we stop being Bible-believing Christians. This is the incoherence of contemporary “tolerance”: I demand that you stop believing what you believe, that you stop acting according to your beliefs, then I congratulate myself on how “tolerant” I am of those whose beliefs differ from mine. We will look at this incoherent demand for “tolerance” both in present-day academia (including religious studies) and in the European Enlightenment of the 18th century, the period in which demands for “tolerance” first emerged in Western society and when “ideology” first appeared as a word and as a socio-political programme. As a result of this presentation, you will know more about the history and dynamics of “tolerance” than do 95% of those who throw the word around — most of whom know nothing of this history and haven’t spent a single minute thinking critically about a concept that they pretend to understand.SociologyExchange.co.uk Shared Resource
This document discusses reasons for declining religiosity among younger people, including that mainstream religions are seen as unattractive and out of touch; an expanding marketplace has opened up diverse spiritual options; and younger people tend to keep beliefs private rather than belonging to religious institutions. It also cites declining religious education, more competitive time demands, and socialization effects as generations become progressively less religious over time.
Week 11: Religion
This document provides an overview of sociological perspectives on religion. It discusses how religion serves important social functions like providing meaning, fostering social cohesion, and establishing social control. Key theorists like Durkheim viewed religion as distinguishing the sacred from the profane and using rituals to transform ordinary things into sacred symbols. The document also summarizes several major world religions like Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and animistic/shamanistic traditions, examining their core beliefs, practices, and global prevalence.
APHG Unit 3: Religion Intro
Religion is defined as a system of beliefs and practices that seeks to order life in terms of culturally perceived priorities. It often includes established symbols, rituals, and sacred texts that explain the origin of life, the universe, or the meaning of life. The document then provides overviews and examples of different types of religions including universalizing versus ethnic religions, examples of orthodox and syncretic religions, cultural hearths where major religions originated, and maps showing the diffusion and current distribution of adherents to major world religions. It also discusses concepts like fundamentalism, extremism, indigenous religions, and the rise of secularism.
Religion theories
This document discusses several typologies and theories of religion. It outlines Anthony Wallace's levels of religion from individualistic to communal systems. It also discusses types of religions like polytheism, monotheism, animism, and the Judeo-Christian-Muslim tradition. Several theorists are mentioned including Tylor, Frazer, Durkheim, Freud, Jung, Weber, Marx, and Geertz. Functional theories view religion as fulfilling important social and psychological functions. Symbolic theories see religion as establishing powerful moods through symbolic conceptions. Religion is also discussed in terms of social control, cultural ecology, and the great transformation from communal to industrial society.
Cults
Cults are generally small, unorthodox religious groups that are not part of a larger, mainstream religion. They are defined as having beliefs that are extreme or dangerous. Cults differ from religions in that they have authoritarian leaders, encourage isolation from outside influences, use coercive persuasion and repetitive techniques to influence members, demand exclusivity and cut ties from non-members. Potential cult members are often disenchanted with society and conventional religions, emotionally and financially vulnerable. Cults use love bombing, bible scripture twisting, and gradual indoctrination techniques to recruit. Some of the most dangerous cults included the People's Temple, led by Jim Jones, which resulted in a mass suicide; Aum Shinrikyo
Religious Studies: Approaches and Insights
Religion can be difficult to define but generally involves a belief system, community, shared stories and rituals, rules of behavior, and artistic expression. It addresses humanity's deepest questions about reality, morality, and mortality. Scholars study religion from various disciplinary perspectives including psychology, anthropology, linguistics, and history of religions. Historic theories of religion's origins include that religions emerged from key founders, social dynamics, human predispositions towards certain ideas, or individual experiences of adherents. Phenomenological study aims to understand religion through long-term observation and the meanings adherents assign. Religious studies can provide insights into human values, cultural development, diversity of expression, and approaches to peaceful relations.
UCSP_Lesson 4_ Concept,Aspect,andChanges in Culture.pdf
This document discusses the concept of culture from an anthropological perspective. It defines culture as the shared beliefs, values, customs, and material objects that are learned and transmitted generationally within a group. The document outlines several key aspects and characteristics of culture, including that it is: learned rather than innate; shared among a group; cumulative as knowledge builds over time; dynamic and changing; provides norms for social behavior; diverse with interconnected parts; and ideational in establishing ideal behaviors. Culture encompasses both material objects and nonmaterial aspects like traditions, ideas, and worldviews. It can change and adapt across time and place based on historical and social influences.
New religion
Religion can both oppress groups and transform societies. Classical theorists like Marx saw religion justifying inequality, while Durkheim saw it promoting social cohesion through shared beliefs and rituals. Weber believed particular religions, like Protestantism, prompted social change by influencing views on work and economic success. Religious symbols and rituals help embed culture by marking major life events. While religion provides meaning and order, it can also legitimize power structures and divert attention from inequities according to conflict theorists.
Worldview & Religion
This document discusses various cultural explanations of life and death through different worldviews and religions. It provides overviews of several major religions and philosophies including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. For each, it outlines their origins, core beliefs, sacred texts, and cultural expressions. It also discusses notions of death within each system, noting that they provide explanations for the purpose and meaning of life as well as what happens after death.
Lec 6 & 7.pptx
This document provides an introduction to sociological concepts of culture. It defines culture as the intangible beliefs and thoughts as well as tangible objects of a group. It discusses how culture determines our interactions and views of the world. It also explains that while some aspects of culture are universal, many aspects vary across cultures and change over time. The document then explores specific cultural concepts like values, norms, symbols, and language and how they shape a society. It also analyzes theoretical perspectives on culture from functionalism, conflict theory and symbolic interactionism.
the globalization of religion.pptx
This document discusses different perspectives on the study of religion from a sociological viewpoint. It begins by acknowledging that religion can be a difficult subject to study objectively, as people hold deep commitments. It then defines religion and outlines different classifications of religious beliefs, including polytheism, monotheism, animism, and atheism. The document also categorizes social organizations of religion into ecclesia, denominations, sects, and new religious movements. It explores functionalist and conflict perspectives on religion's role in society from theorists like Marx, Weber, and Stark. In the end, it provides a brief historical fact about Desmond Doss as an example of religious commitment.
Lesson 1 Understanding the Nature of Religions.pptx
This document provides an overview of key concepts related to understanding religion. It discusses why religion is studied, defines what it means to be religious and spiritual. It also explores the origins of religion and different belief systems like theism, polytheism, monism, and atheism. The document outlines eight common elements of religions which include belief systems, community, stories/myths, rituals, ethics, emotional experiences, material expressions, and sacredness. It also examines the similarities and differences between western and eastern religious beliefs and the importance of studying religion.
Religion and Society
Religion plays a significant role in society by binding people together through sacred beliefs and practices from birth to death. It is defined as a system of beliefs, emotions, and conduct related to sacred things that is socially shared. Major religions like Christianity and Islam are organized with structures to conduct meetings and train specialists. Religions are universal across cultures and have psychological, sociological, and mixed explanations. In the Philippines, the dominant religions are Catholicism, Islam, and various Christian denominations, sects, and independent religious movements that show cultural syncretism. Women have taken on greater religious leadership roles.
Religion.ppt
Religion provides explanations for life's mysteries like birth and death. Animism refers to the belief that all objects have spirits and was an early form of religion studied by anthropologists. While major religions today are not animistic, it remains important for understanding tribal religions. Polytheism involves belief in multiple gods and was common in ancient societies. Monotheism believes in one god and characterizes religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Most people today subscribe to either Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, or Buddhism. Religions can be categorized as churches, sects, or cults depending on their relationship with mainstream society. Separation of church and state aims to prevent the establishment of any single
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The Forum Online Event: The Incoherent Notion of “Tolerant” Indifference Appl...
The Forum Online Event: The Incoherent Notion of “Tolerant” Indifference Appl...
UCSP_Lesson 4_ Concept,Aspect,andChanges in Culture.pdf
UCSP_Lesson 4_ Concept,Aspect,andChanges in Culture.pdf
Lesson 1 Understanding the Nature of Religions.pptx
Lesson 1 Understanding the Nature of Religions.pptx
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- 2. • Watch the clip on postmodernism and take down up to 10 bullet points. • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oL8MhYq 9owo • Using the notes you have taken, write a 200 word summary explaining what postmodernism is.
- 3. Postmodernism – A Summary We live in a society characterised by: • The coexistence of many different subgroups and cultures • The erosion of traditional social classes • The growth of movements such as environmentalism, feminism and ethnic politics • The absence of agreed standards for evaluating what is true/false and right/wrong • The blurring of what is real and not • Experimentation with self-identity
- 4. • Local traditions have been eroded. • We live in and ‘information rich’ world. • Anyone can obtain information on anything from anywhere at anytime! • The ‘meanings’ of things have now become more individualised. • We consume the products, symbols and signs of a globalised economy…but we provide our own meanings to these.
- 6. Lyotard Lyotard - claims postmodern society is characterized by a loss in confidence of 'meta- narratives' - the grand explanations provided by religion, politics, science & sociology. The 'truth' these subjects + belief systems claim to reveal have not been forthcoming.
- 7. Bauman • Bauman – we are experiencing a 'crisis of meaning'. • Traditional religions in particular seem unable to deal with this crisis. Consequently, newer expressions of religiosity have become more individualistic and more socially diverse. This has enables individuals to restore meaning in their lives, without having to rely on established religious institutions imposing a monopoly of truth. • This can be seen by the decline in religious monopolies and rise in NRM's + NAM's.
- 8. Lyon – Jesus in Disneyland • The centrality of consumerism to postmodern life means that people choose what to believe in, as readily as they choose what to wear. • Rather than declining, traditional religious beliefs as relocating to the sphere of consumption • People are less willing to accept an externally imposed narrative to put their lives in context, so they personalise the stories available to them from a much broader range of cultural sources.
- 9. Bunting • Religious belief is becoming a DIY cocktail • Seasonal attenders – Christmas and Easter • People are dipping into different beliefs and taking what most appeals to them, rejecting the beliefs when they no longer apply.
- 10. Heelas • There is a development of New Age Beliefs as a rejection of science and modernity in the postmodern age. • Holistic milieu – a range of activities involving the mind, body and spirit, such as yoga, tai chi, healing and self discovery.
- 11. Davie • Religion is taking a different, more privatised form. • Believing without belonging – people hold religious belief but don’t go to church • Vicarious religion – a small number of professional clegy practice religion on behalf of a much larger number of people, who experience it second hand. Despite low attendance levels, people still use the church for rites of passage (weddings, funerals)
- 12. Herviru-Leger • Young people no longer have a fixed religious identity due to cultural amnesia (loss of collective memory) and not passing down religious traditions. • Individual consumerism has replaced collective tradition, people have become spiritual shoppers and as a result, religion no longer acts as a source of collective identity that it once did.
- 13. Summary • The postmodernist view therefore highlights that religion, in one or another, still influences people. • Religion has just become more consumerist. Individual's are choosing their beliefs and shaping them into there own philosophies. Hence, if people are choosing hybrid religion's then religion still exists.
- 14. Activity • Make a list of all the postmodern theorists and their main concepts. 10 mins • In pairs, take it in turns to go through the list explaining each theory/concept to each other.