An Introduction To Religion

1. An Introduction To Religion

2. What is Religion? • The SOCIOLIGICAL definition— • Religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices concerned with sacred things

3. COMMON characteristics • Social Cohesion– • Encourages and strengthens social bonds (especially through participation in religious events, rites, ceremonies, etc.)

4. COMMON characteristics • Social Control– • Establishes or perpetuates social values and norms, and encourages conformity to them.

5. COMMON characteristics • Emotional Support– • Provides personal emotional comfort , in good times and bad.

6. Sacred • Things and ideas that are set apart, and given a special meaning that goes beyond immediate existence. • Anything considered supernatural and worthy of awe, reverence, respect.

7. Profane • Things and ideas that are not sacred. • Anything considered part of the ordinary world, common. • Not unholy, just not sacred.

8. SACRED VS. PROFANE • Profane objects can become sacred • Until people assign a meaning to an object, it carries no sacred meaning • Sociologists don’t attempt judge the validity of a religion • They examine those social aspects of religion that can be measured or observed

9. Characteristics of Religion Rituals and Symbols Rituals-Established patterns if behavior with sacred meaning for those exhibiting them Along with symbols, they unite and reinforce faith

10. Characteristics of Religion Belief Systems Theism-belief in a god or gods Monotheism-belief in one god Examples: Judaism, Christianity, Islam Polytheism-belief in multiple gods Examples: ancient Rome & Greece, Hinduism, Shintoism, modern Buddhism

11. Characteristics of Religion Organizational Structure Ranked according to how successfully they are accepted by and integrated into society.

12. Religions Organization Church (Ecclesiae) Most structured—bureaucratic Life encompassing religious organization to which all members of a society belong (usually since birth) Worship is very formal and procedural Fundamental-Not tolerant of religious differences

13. Religions Organization Denominations Similar to Church—well-established bureaucratic structure, larger membership, and accepted within a society Strongly hold to their beliefs, but are more accepting/tolerant others. Membership can come at birth, or by choice.

14. Church & Denomination Religions Organization

15. Religions Organization Sects Formed when members of an existing denomination “break away.” Usually have split over religious differences, and want to correct the problems of the parent group. Attempting to redeem, not recreate the parent religion. Some grow into denominations (Methodists, Jehovah’s Witnesses).

16. Religions Organization Cults “New” religions-small in members. Followers tend to be “disillusioned” with traditional religions. Practices are significantly different from “mainstream” religion, usually based on a revelation of a charismatic figure/leader. Often requires wholesale “buy-in” by followers. Most don’t last long (Branch Davidians, Heaven’s Gate, Jonestown).

17. Religion & Self-Transcendence • Most religions involve a spiritual awakening or liberation from egocentricity(regarding oneself as the center of all things). • The (attempted) overcoming of the limits of the “self” through spiritual contemplation and realization. • There’s more than just me, and I’m connected to It through a common group or faith. • Through the group, the “self” is transcended.

18. Self-Transcendence Jonathan Haidt Ted Talk