Chapter 13

Religion

Chapter Outline The Nature of Religion Magic Major Types of Religion A Sociological Approach to Religion Organization of Religious Life Aspects of American Religion Major Religions in the United States

The Nature of Religion

Religion: A system of beliefs, practices, and values

shared by a group of people. Defines the sacred. Helps explain life. Offers salvation from the problems of

human existence.

The Elements of Religion

All religions contain certain shared elements:

Ritual and prayer Emotion Belief Organization

Magic Magic is an active attempt to coerce spirits or to

control supernatural forces. Magic is used to manipulate and control matters

that seem to be beyond human control and that may involve danger and uncertainty.

In most instances, religion serves to unify a group of believers, whereas magic is designed to help the individual who uses it.

Mana is a diffuse, nonpersonalized force that acts through anything that lives or moves.

Four Major Types of Religions

1. Supernaturalism - Postulates the existence of nonpersonalized supernatural forces that can influence human events.

2. Animism - The belief in inanimate, personalized spirits or ghosts of ancestors that actively work to influence human affairs.

Four Major Types of Religions3. Theism - The belief in divine beings—

gods and goddesses—who shape human affairs.

4. Abstract ideals - Focus on the achievement of personal awareness and a higher state of consciousness through correct ways of thinking and behaving, rather than by manipulating spirits or worshipping gods.

Question1. In animistic religions, shamans are able to

cure illness because they:A. use powerful medicines. B. manipulate the populace to believe in

their power. C. have developed a working knowledge of

natural medicines. D. have a special relationship with the

spirits that cause illness.

Answer: D In animistic religions, shamans are able to

cure illness because they have a special relationship with the spirits that cause illness.

Major Religions of the World—2000

Religion Number % of Total

Christians1,999,564,00

033

Roman Catholic

1,057,328,000

17.5

Protestants 342,002,000 5.6

Orthodox 215,129,000 3.7

Anglican 79,650,000 1.3

Unaffiliated Christians

111,125,000 1.8

Major Religions of the World—2000

Religion Number % of Total

Baha’ 7,106,000 0.1

Buddhists 353,794,000 6.0

Chinese folk-religionists

359,982,000 5.9

Ethnic religionists

228,367,000 3.8

Major Religions of the World—2000

Religion Number % of Total

Muslims1,188,243,00

019.6

Hindus 811,336,000 13.3

Jews 14,434,000 0.2

Sikhs 23,258,000 0.4

Nonreligious 768,159,000 12.7

Atheists 150,090,000 2.5

Question What is your current religious affiliation?

A. Protestant

B. Catholic

C. Jewish

D. None

E. Other

Polytheism Belief in a number of gods. Each god or goddess usually has

particular spheres of influence such as childbirth, rain, or war.

There is generally one who is more powerful than the rest and oversees the others’ activities.

Monotheism The belief in the existence of a single god. Three religions are known to be

monotheistic: Judaism Christianity Islam

The Functionalist Perspective

Four categories of religious function: Satisfying individual needs. Promoting social cohesion. Providing a worldview. Helping to adapt to society.

Society, Religion, and the Individual: A Functionalist View

Question Do you believe that the Bible is the

actual word of God, to be taken literally word for word?

A. Yes

B. No

The Conflict Theory Perspective Marx saw religion as a tool the upper classes

used to dominate the lower classes. The lower classes were distracted from social

change by the promise of happiness through religion.

They would receive their reward in heaven, and so had no reason to improve their condition in this world.

Universal churchIncludes all the members of a society within one united moral community. 

EcclesiaA church that shares the same ethical system as the secular society and has come to represent and promote the interest of the society at large.

Organization of Religious Life

DenominationTends to limit its membership to a particular class, ethnic group, or religious group, or at least to have its leadership positions dominated by members of such a group.

SectA small group that adheres strictly to religious doctrine that often includes unconventional beliefs or forms of worship.

Organization of Religious Life

Millenarian Movements Typically prophesy the end of the world,

the destruction of all evil people and their works, and the saving of the just.

Question Which of the following is not a

denomination?

A. Judaism

B. Catholicism

C. Lutheranism

D. Hinduism

Answer: D Hinduism is not a denomination.

Question How do sects differ from denominations?

A. Sects are more tolerant of other religious groups.

B. Sects participate less in secular society.

C. They have beliefs that are more conventional.

D. All of these choices are correct.

Answer: B Sects differ from denominations in that

they participate less in secular society.

American Religiosity

People in the United States Are:

Too Religious

Not Religious Enough

United States 21 58

France 61 26

Netherlands 57 25

Great Britain 39 28

Germany 39 31

Canada 35 38

American Religiosity

People in the United States Are:

Too Religious

Not Religious Enough

India 32 57

Spain 31 40

Russia 27 38

Poland 6 56

Jordan * 95

Question How important would you say religion is

in your own life?

A. Very important

B. Fairly important

C. Not very important

D. No opinion

American Believers

Category Percentage Who Believe In

God 92%

Heaven 85

Miracles 82

Angels 78

Hell 74

The Devil 71

Ghosts 34Witches 24