Religion

1. Religion

2. What is Religion? A set of symbols, feelings of reverence, and rituals practiced by a community of believers Comprised of beliefs, symbols and rituals. Seeks to answer questions such as why we exist, why people suffer and die, and what happens when we die. All known societies over the past 100,000 years have had some form of religion. Religious beliefs and practices vary from culture to culture.

3. What is Religion? Emile Durkheim: The Elementary Forms of Religious Life (1912) Religion is a �unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things� Religion�s component parts: A theology Organized set of beliefs and practice--doctrine A set of rituals Beliefs are translated into behaviors--faith must be observable Classification of sacred and profane objects Sacred (Elements that are set apart from the everyday world and treated with reverence) Profane (Elements of the everyday world)

4. Religion as a Social Construction Religious truths are always subject to change Although religious truths are socially constructed they have a symbolic realism The symbols constructed have a real effect on life and how we interpret it--�Thomas Theorem� Examples of the fluid nature of religion: Secularization (Peter Berger) Process in which religion is challenged by the notions of science and the products of modernization Fundamentalism The revitalization of faith based on the literal interpretation of religious doctrine

5. Civil Religion/Civic Religion A system of values associated with sacred symbols that is integrated into the broader society and shared by the society's members, regardless of their individual religious affiliations (e.g., patriotism, nationalism)

6. Four Categories of Religion Simple supernaturalism - the belief that supernatural forces affect people's lives positively or negatively. Animism - the belief that plants, animals, and elements of the natural world are endowed with spirits that impact events in society. Theism - belief in a God or Gods. Transcendent idealism - belief in sacred principles of thought and conduct, such as truth, justice, life and tolerance for others.

7. Provides meaning and purpose to life Promotes emotional well-being by addressing important individual questions (Why am I here?) A source of social cohesion Assists in the building of social ties, further integrating people, gives a sense of belonging Provides a support system Provides strength and comfort�especially in times of crisis Functionalism: Functions of Religion

8. Functionalism: Functions of Religion (cont�d.) Social services Provides much in the way of voluntary services to those less fortunate A source of social control Often legitimizes the efforts of government to engage in social sanctioning and the placement of boundaries on behavior A source of social change Many social movements have had religion as their source of support and inspiration Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi

9. Conflict Theory Karl Marx Religion is the �opiate of the people� Argued that religion is an ideology which creates false consciousness amongst the working classes Religion makes people apathetic to their plight Leads people to falsely believe that those with more are more deserving Gives people the belief that their suffering here on earth is purposeful�for ultimate reward on the other side

10. Conflict Theory Max Weber: The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism (1904) Religious shift is significant to the course of social change, religion could be a catalyst to produce social change Explored the interconnectedness of Protestantism and the growth of Capitalism The Protestant ethic is derived from the concept of predestination Since predestination could not be known it was assumed that outward symbols could give some indication - collection of wealth reflects God�s elect Encouraged people to acquire wealth through self-discipline and hard work - acquisition of wealth deemed a moral good

11. Symbolic Interactionism What meaning does religion hold for people? Gives sense of purpose to life Religion serves as a reference group to help people define themselves. Women�s versions of a certain religion usually differ from men�s versions.

12. Types of Religious Organization A church Inclusive religious body (moral community) engaged in formalized worship A denomination A socially and legally recognized religious body Exist within a religion through shared theology but contain differences in interpretation of such theology A sect Smaller but formalized Focus on salvation and otherworldly concerns--hostile to society A cult Smallest but not formalized--lacking well defined structure Typically organized around charismatic leaders

13. Churches and Sects

14. Gender and Religion Religious organizations are dominated by men. Barbara Harris: 1st female Episcopal bishop In both Buddhism & Christianity, women were allowed to express strong religious convictions by choosing to become nuns. In 1993, women were finally accepted as priests in Great Britain. In the U.S., women have been ordained as ministers in about half of the Protestant denominations. In Orthodox Judaism, women in the U.S. can become rabbis.

15. Major World Religions

16. World Religions:Christianity The largest of the world religions Dates back 2,000 years Roots in Judaism Begins as a cult led by a Jew in the Middle-East (Israel/Palestine) Contains many denominations History recorded in the New Testament of the Bible�Shares the first five books of the Hebrew Bible with Jews Engaged in missionary work and military conquest to bolster expansion

17. World Religions:Islam World�s 2nd largest religion Like Christianity, faith spread through missionary and military work Fastest-growing religion Founded in the 7th century by the teachings of Muhammad History recorded in the Qur� an Includes references to Jesus, Abraham, and Moses Two major division Shiite (Fundamentalist) Sunni (More Secular and larger in representation)

18. World Religions:Hinduism The oldest and third largest religion Mostly practiced in India Expansion of followers tied to natural growth A polytheistic faith lacking a specific sacred text No one supreme being sitting in judgment Followers undergo reincarnation in death On a journey toward nirvana (place of spiritual perfection)

19. World Religions:Buddhism Does not accept notion of a divine being Grew out of Hinduism Focus is on living in proper manner so as to achieve enlightenment All humans thought to possess Godliness just unable to tap into it

20. World Religions:Judaism Provides the theological roots for Christianity and Islam Small in numbers 18 million worldwide History is recorded in the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Torah Believe a covenant with God and Abraham makes them the chosen people destined to live out their lives in Israel Driven out by the Romans over 2,000 years ago and witnessed a return in 1948 Now fighting with Muslim Palestinians over who is the rightful settlers of Israel

21. World Religions:Confucianism Quite secular in form Founded by the Chinese philosopher, followers mostly in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam Based on a code of self-discipline Work toward the achievement of earthly reward rather than supernatural reward

22. Global Distribution of World Religions

23. Trends in Religion in the U.S. Approximately 80-85% of Americans say they believe in God. Although 50% of Americans say they attend church weekly, research suggests only 20-25% attend weekly. Half of Catholics in the U.S. reject the notion that the Pope is the voice of God. The rise of a new fundamentalism has occurred at the same time as mainline denominations have been losing membership. Some members of the political elite in Washington have vowed to bring religion "back" into schools and public life. During the 1990s the Christian Coalition proved to be a potent force in U.S. politics.

24. Who is Religious in the U.S.?

25. U.S. Religious Bodies Membership

26. Major U.S. denominations that self-identify as Christian

27. Major U.S. denominations that self-identify as Christian (cont�d.)