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.)
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