RELIGION
(from:
http://anthro.
palomar.edu/c
ulture/culture
_1 .htm)
WHAT IS RELIGION?
 Religion: is a system of beliefs usually involving the worship
of supernatural forces or a supernatural being
 It provides order and meaning in an otherwise seemingly chaotic
universe and explains the inexplicable
RITUALS IN RELIGION
 Rituals are stylized and repetitive acts that take place in a set
time and location
 Involve use of symbolic objects and words and
actions
 E.g.: going to church on Sunday
 Most religious rituals are performed in a special placer
and under special circumstances (e.g.: a temple)
 Intentionally separates the secular from the
sacred and enhances the ritual
 Likewise, only allowing the initiated to participate has an
enhancing effect
 Rituals reinforce the basic principles or beliefs of the
religion
 E.g.: partaking in the host
NON-RELIGIOUS RITUALS
 Not all rituals are religious
 E.g.: brushing your teeth
 Nonetheless, the good feeling one gets from practicing the ritual
reinforces the continuation of it, just like religious practices
 Political ideologies have rituals that can be important for
people
 They include symbolic political objects and acts
 E.g.: national anthem
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL FUNCTION
OF RELIGION
 Religion fulfills psychological needs
 Help us confront and explain death
 Relieve our fears and anxieties about the unknown
 People may appeal to the supernatural in times of crisis both
personal and otherwise
 Most rites of passage have religious elements in order for
people to adjust to life changes
 Religion also provides divinely given moral codes by with to
live by
 This can lift some burden in moral decision making in difficult times
and provide psychological relief
 Religion also fulfills social needs
 Religion reinforces social homogeneity and provides a basis for
common purpose and values that can maintain social solidarity
 Provides social control by defining what is right and wrong
behaviour
 If individuals do the right thing they earn the approval of the gods
and may suffer supernatural retribution if they do the wrong thing
 E.g.: the Koran not only provides detailed lists of specific crimes but also
has descriptions of how to do everyday tasks like eating specific types of
food
 The sacred texts usually provide the precedents of proper behaviour
in common situations
COMMON ELEMENTS OF RELIGION
 Usually, beliefs in supernatural beings and forces fall into one
of five categories
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Animatism
Animism
Ancestral spirits
Gods or goddesses
Minor supernatural beings