Civil Religion
a set of sacred beliefs so commonly accepted by most people that it becomes part of the national culture
religion
a unified system of beliefs, traditions, and practices based on the conception of the sacred.
Sacred
holy things meant for special use. elements beyond everyday life that inspire awe, respect, and even fear. Establish prescriptive and proscriptive norms (what to do and what not to do)
Profane
the things of everyday life. commonplace
Theism
the worship of a god or gods
Monotheism
the worship of one god. Christianity, Islam, and Judaism
Ethicalism
the adherence to certain principles to lead a moral life
animism
the belief that spirits are part of the natural world
denominations
large, organized religion not officially linked with the state or government. Share the same faith and are governed under one administrative umbrella
congregations
groups of people who gather together, especially for worship
Secularism
a general movement away from religion toward a rational, scientific, orientation, a trend adopted by industrialized nations in the form of the separation of church and state.
Karl Marx on Religion
Religion is a means of social stratification. Religion drugs the masses into submission, keeping them quiet as they labor. Faith keeps downtrodden in their places
Max Weber on Religion
Protestant Ethic: followers of the protestant reformation emphasized disciplined work ethic, this-worldly concerns, and a rational orientation for life.
This is the spirit of capitalism. You have to work hard to become successful and reach salvation.
Durkheim on Religion
People conform to the rules of their religion and in effect yield to the moral authority of society. Religion is a collective act. Religion perpetuates social unity by strengthening the collective conscience.
Pluralism
the presence of numerous, distinct religious groups in one society.
Viewed as having a negative impact on religion overall because the plethora of choices weakens the credibility of any one church
A way for diverse religions to engage with one another to
Sacred Canopy
Entire set of religious norms, symbols, and beliefs that express the feeling that life is worth living and that reality is meaningful and not random chaos
Evangelicals
Members of any denomination distinguished by four main beliefs
1. The bible is without error
2. Salvation comes only through belief in Jesus Christ
3. Personal Conversion only path to salvation
4. Others must be converted
Fundamentalists
followers of the bible that literally interpret its meaning.
Religious experience
feeling or perception of being in direct contact with ultimate reality or of being overcome with religious emotion
Religious beliefs
statements to which members of a particular religion adhere
Religious rituals
practices required or expected of members of a faith
Reflexive Spirituality
contemporary movement that encourages followers to look to religion for meaning, wisdom, and profound thought rather than for absolute truths about how the world works
Megachurch
typically, a conservative Protestant church that attracts at least 2,000 worshippers per week.
Supernatural compensators
promises of future awards, such as salvation or eternity in heaven.
Churches
religious bodies that coexist in a relatively low state of tension with their social surroundings. They have mainstream beliefs and practices relative to those of the general population
Sects
relatively small groups that broke away from some other religious organizations to renew the original vision of the faith
Established Sect
Religious group that is an outgrowth of a sect, yet remains isolated from society
Cult
outside of the society's cultural traditions. Some practices are considered deviant or evil. Embrace different lifestyles
Ecclesiae
Religious organization that includes most/all members of a society; national religion.
Feminist Perspective on Religion
women perform fundamental roles in religious socialization but are subordinate in religious governing roles
Liberation Theology
church should be used in political efforts to eliminate poverty, discrimination, and other forms of injustice.
Function of Religion
Religious bonds transcend personal or divisive forces in society. Gives meaning to life. Binds people together in times of crisis. Helps integrate immigrants.
Can be dysfunctional
Belief in superiority of a religion
Religion gets tied to politics
Christianity
A monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament and emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior. Bible is their sacred text
Islam
A religion based on the teachings of the prophet Mohammed which stresses belief in one god (Allah). Sacred text is the Koran. Followers are called Muslims. Obliged to defend their faith through Jihad.
5 Pillars of Islam
1. Allah is the one and true god and Muhammed is his prophet
2. Ritual Prayer in the direction of Mecca
3. Giving alms to the poor
4. Fasting through the month of Ramadan
5. A pilgrimage at least once to the holy city of Mecca. The Hajj.
Judaism
A religion with a belief in one god. It originated with Abraham and the Hebrew people. There is a special relationship between god and the Jews...the y are the chosen people of god. Duty to obey the 10 commandments. The Torah is their sacred text.
Emphasi
Orthodox Jews
strictly observe all the traditional beliefs and practices of Judaism
Reform Jews
Most secular denomination of Judaism--to get greater acceptance by wider society
Conservative Jews
middle ground between orthodox and reform jews
Religious Marketplace
people shop for the faith that best suits them. Caused by religious pluralism in America.