The Sociology of Religion

The Nature of Religion

OBJECTIVES:SOCII.4.3 Describe the characteristics of religion

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:How does religion benefit the individual?

LEARNING TARGET:To be able to explain and provide examples of what

role the social institution of religion plays in the lives of many in a society, and how it meets certain

basic social needs.

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.

Self-Transcendence: The Individual, Society, and the Sacred

Jonathan Haidt Ted Talk

Characteristics of Religion

Rituals and Symbols

•Rituals-Established patterns if behavior with sacred meaning for those exhibiting them

Examples: baptism, Hajj,

communion, prayer

•Along with symbols, they unite and reinforce belief

Characteristics of Religion

Belief Systems

—Theism-belief in a god or gods

•Animism-belief that spirits actively influence human existence. •Shamanism• totemism

Characteristics of Religion

Belief Systems

•Monotheism-belief in one god

• Examples: Judaism, Christianity, Islam

•Polytheism-belief in multiple gods

• Examples: ancient Rome & Greece, Hinduism, Shintoism, modern Buddhism

Characteristics of Religion

Organizational Structure

•Ranked according to how successfully they are accepted by and integrated into society.

Religions Organization

Church (Ecclesiae)

• Most structured: bureaucratic, closely aligned with the gov’t, has powerful leadership

• Life encompassing religious organization to which all (or most) members of a society belong (usually since birth)

• Worship is very formal and procedural

• Fundamental-Not tolerant of religious differences

Religions Organization

Church (Ecclesiae)

• Examples: Judaism, Catholic Church, Islam, Church of England (Anglican Church)

Religions Organization

Denomination

• Similar to Church—well-established and bureaucratic in structure.

• Larger portion of a society are members, and is widely accepted within a society

• Strongly hold to their beliefs, but are more accepting/tolerant others.

• Membership can come at birth, or by choice.

Religions Organization

Religions Organization

Denomination

• Examples: • Generally Christian: Quakers, Baptists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians

Religions Organization

Ecclesiae vs. Denomination

Religions Organization

Sect

• 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 (Baptists, Methodists, Jehovah’s Witnesses).

Religions Organization

Sect

• Examples:

Christian: Latter-Day Saints (Mormon Church), Amish, Mennonites, Hutterites

Islam: Shia, Sunni

Judaism: Messianic Judaism

Religions Organization

Sectarianism: Sunni and Shia Islam

Cult

• “New” religions-small in members.

• Beliefs are markedly from those of the society’s major religions.

• 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.

Religions Organization

Cult

• Examples:• Short-lived: Branch Davidians, Heaven’s

Gate, Jonestown• Manson Family, Scientology, The

Unification Church (Mooneyism)

Religions Organization

Lab: Applying What You’ve Learned

Lab: Applying What You’ve Learned

2. Group Activities• Address the topics that

are assigned by your teacher.

• Answer the questions that are listed with each topic.

3. Discussion• What did you learn

from this lab? As a group, discuss the following:

• What were the findings of each group?

• How did you come to a shared opinion?

• What did group members disagree about?

Lab (cont.)