Mr. Sink’s Sociology – Unit 1: Building Blocks of Society
WHAT IS RELIGION?
What is meant by RELIGION in sociology?

Religion is a system of roles & norms organized around the sacred realm that binds people together. At the
heart of all religions is the sharp distinction between the sacred & the profane.

The sacred is anything considered to be part of the supernatural world & inspires awe, respect and reverence.
The profane is anything considered to be part of the ordinary world & thus commonplace and familiar.

As with all basic institutions, religion is a universal phenomenon though the form it takes varies from society
to society and even within a single society at a given time.
What are the THREE basic elements of all religions?
1.
Rituals = established pattern of behavior through which a group of believers experiences the
sacred (Examples: prayer meetings, worship services & religious feasts). Rituals are used by
religions to…
a.
b.
c.
2.
mark changes in status
unite believers & reinforce faith
ask divine beings to intervene in human affairs, or focus on giving thanks to divine beings
Belief Systems = There are three general types of different belief systems…
a.
Animism = belief system in which spirits are active in influencing human life. There are two types of
animism…
1)
2)
b.
Theism = belief in a god or gods. There are two types of theism.
1)
2)
c.
3.
Shamanism = spirits communicate only w/ one person in the group(shaman), who is acknowledged
to be a specialist
Totemism = belief in a kinship b/t human & animals or natural objects (totem); totem is considered
sacred & represents a family, clan, or ancestors
Monotheism = belief in one God
Polytheism = belief in many gods
Ethicalism = belief that moral principles have a sacred quality; based on set of principles that serve as a guide
to living a righteous life rather than the teachings of a god or gods; goal is to reach highest human potential
Organizational Structure = There are four types of organizational structures for religion…
a.
Ecclesia = type of religious organization in which all people in the society are members by virtue of birth;
formally allied w/ the state & are structured, bureaucratic organizations; intolerant to other faiths. Membership
is usually a matter of law.
b.
Denomination = well-established religious organization in which a substantial portion of the population are
members; formal, bureaucratic structures w/ trained officials; tolerant of other faiths.
c.
Sect = relatively small religious organization that typically has split off from a denomination b/c of doctrinal
differences; tend to claim access to religious truth, generally intolerant of other faiths, & hostile toward existing
power structure.
d.
Cult = religious group founded on the revelations of a charismatic person believed to have special knowledge;
reject rest of society, incl. its institutions; converts are typically disillusioned by traditional religion & life in
general.