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
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
Sectarianism: Sunni and Shia Islam
Religions Organization
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)
Lab: Applying What You’ve Learned
Lab: Applying What You’ve Learned
Lab (cont.)
2. Group Activities
3. Discussion
• Address the topics that
are assigned by your
teacher.
• What did you learn from
this lab? As a group,
discuss the following:
• What were the findings of
each group?
• Answer the questions that
are listed with each topic.
• How did you come to a
shared opinion?
• What did group members
disagree about?