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Chapter 14.2. Education & Religion. Sacred. a nything that is considered to be part of the supernatural world & that inspires awe, respect & reverence. Profane. a nything considered to be part of the ordinary world & thus, commonplace & familiar. Religion.
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Chapter 14.2 Education &Religion
Sacred • anything that is considered to be part of the supernatural world & that inspires awe, respect & reverence
Profane • anything considered to be part of the ordinary world & thus, commonplace & familiar
Religion • asystem of roles & norms that is organized around the sacred realm & that binds people together in social groups
Religion: A Sociological Definition • according to sociologists, religion is a social creation • things only take on meaning when they are socially defined as such by a group of believers
The Functions of Religion Social Cohesion, Social Control, Emotional Support
Social Cohesion • strengthening of bonds among people • provides people with support &purpose • conflict theorists argue that this causes problems in societies with more than one practiced religion
Social Control • encourages conformity to the norms of society • may be used to maintain the traditional social order by presenting it as one demanded by the supreme being
Emotional Support • helps people endure disappointment &suffering by providing a comfort in believing that harsh circumstances have a special purpose
Rituals and Symbols • Ritual: an established pattern of behavior through which a group of believers experiences the sacred • Example:baptisms, weddings&funerals • often include sacred symbols • Example:clothing, herbs, crosses, books
Belief Systems Animism, Shamanism, Totemism, Theism, Ethicalism
Animism • belief that spirits actively influence human life • these forces not worshiped as gods
Shamanism • belief that spirits communicate only with one person in the group • Shamans believed to be able to heal the sick &see the future
Totemism • belief in kinship between humans &animals or natural objects • animals or objects thought to represent a family or clan &their ancestors
Theism • belief in a god or gods • monotheism:belief in one god • Christianity, Judaism, Islam • polytheism:belief in many gods • Hinduism
Ethicalism • based on the idea that moral principles have a sacred quality • Buddhism, Confucianism, Shintoism
Organizational Structures • Ecclesia:people are member by virtue of their birth • Denomination:substantial number of the population are members • Sect:small religious organization that typically has split off from a denomination • Cult:new religion whose beliefs &practices differ markedly from those of society’s major religions
Americans and Religion • Americans &Religion • Why do you think so many people who claim to be religious lack so much knowledge concerning their beliefs? • Do you think that abundant knowledge about your religion of preference is relevant/important? Why? • Bill Maher vs. Mike Huckabee • Thoughts?