Sociology and religion (Textbook 530-531)
1. Sociologists are not concerned with whether religious believes are true of false.
Remember science follows the small “t,” religion the capital “T.”
2. Sociologists are especially concerned with the social organization of religion.
3. Sociologists often view religion as a major source of social solidarity
4. Sociologists tend to explain the appeal of religion in terms of social forces rather than personal, psychological, or spiritual factors.
What is religion? Definitions: "Belief in a
supernatural power beyond nature"
problem: Confucianism is interested in the harmony of the world, not in the truth that lie beyond it
Textbook Durkheim:
"A set of symbols, invoking feelings of reverence and awe, which are linked to rituals practiced by a community of believers.
Overhead
Church: large established religious organization
Denomination: a sect that has cooled down and became established.
Sects:
· Smaller than denominations or churches
· less highly organized
· often set up in protest against established churches aiming for renewal
· try to change their surrounding society or withdraw from it
· often have a charismatic leader
Cults:
· religious innovation rather than renewal
· otherwise similar to sects
Overhead
Six most common belief systems
| population in millions | # Gods | exclu-sive | male dominated | |
| Christians | 1,870 | |||
| Muslims | 1,040 | |||
| Nonreligious | 912 | |||
| Hindus | 751 | |||
| Buddhists | 334 | |||
| Atheists | 242 |
What is the difference between Atheism, Nihilism, and Agnosticism?
Atheism:
Communities create sacredness and allow sacrilege (blasphemy) as a social product. Just like there is no Atheism without someone's belief in the existence of God.
What happens to these people in Theocracies?
Nihilism:
Agnosticism:
Christian Fundamentalism:
"Emphasize a return to literal interpretations of the scriptural texts. The Bible is seen as a workable guidebook for politics, government, business, families, and all over the affairs of mankind"
(Capps, 1990 in Giddens 1996, 289)Question: What are the Problems Christian Fundamentalism raises for a Democracy?
Fundamentalism versus Secularism
Secularism:
1. Religiosity, belief in religious values, declines.
2. Churches lose social influence, wealth, and prestige.
3. Membership of churches drops.
Discussion Indicators for segregation and connection of church and state
Assignments:
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