Chapter 13 Religion. Chapter Outline The Nature of Religion Magic Major Types of Religion A...
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Transcript of Chapter 13 Religion. Chapter Outline The Nature of Religion Magic Major Types of Religion A...
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