Sociology of Religion – Flashcards

Sacred refers to anything that is considered to be part of the supernatural world and that inspires awe, respect, and reverence.

Profane refers to anything considered to be part of the ordinary world and thus commonplace and familiar.

Religion is a system of roles and norms organized around the sacred realm that binds people together in social groups.

A ritual is an established pattern of behavior through which a group of believers experience the sacred.

Religiosity is the importance of religion in a person's life.

Non-religious

Difference between sacred and profane.

--Sacred meaning derived only when socially defined by group. Ex. Hindu and cow as sacred, Christians and cross. --Focus on spn. world with religion based on faith rather that science.

--Social cohesion- Strengthen bonds among people. --Social control- Conformity to norms of society. Ex. Bible, Torah give a divine purpose to conformity. --Emotional Support- comfort during challenging times. --Conflict theorist- Marx- religions acts as 'the opium of the people;" fail to understand source of problems.

establishes patterns of behavior. Ex. Baptisms, weddings, funerals, prayer meetings, crosses, books.

--Animism- spirits influence human life. Ex. animals, plants, rivers, mountains. --Shamanism- communicates with spirits. Ex. heal sick, predict future, see events. --Totemism- connection between human and animal; represents a family or clan.

--Theism- belief in god or gods; divine power to be worshiped. --Monotheism- belief in one god. ex. Judaism, Christianity with sacred rituals and writings. --Polytheism- number of gods. Ex. Hinduism; over control of earthquakes, childbirth. --Ethicalism- moral principals have a sacred quality. Ex. Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shintoism.

--Ecclesia- members by birth; state church; no toleration of differences. Ex. Islam in Iran. --Denomination- well-established. Ex. Presbyterian, Baptist, or Catholic churches. --Sect- small groups splitting from denomination because of different views. Ex. Jehovah's Witnesses. --Cult- marked by differences in beliefs and views; led by a charismatic figure. Ex. David Koresh, Heaven's gate.

--Religious affiliation- 66% affiliated with major faiths- Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. --Religious Participation- more participation by women, African-Americans, and older citizens. -Religiosity- depth of a person's religious feelings. -Secular- religion is losing its influence according to sociologists, while 71% view as religion as important

-increase in members with strict adherence to the Bible and interpretation of Scriptures. -Born Again- salvation through conversion. -Selective Separatists- counterculture based on traditional values.

Christianity- largest denomination. Judaism- 5 million plus. Islam- 6 million. Buddhism. Hinduism.