Chapter 15 - OpenStax Intro to Soc 3e Flashcards
animism
the religion that believes in the divinity of nonhuman beings, like animals, plants, and objects of the natural world
atheism
the belief in no deities
cults
religious groups that are small, secretive, and highly controlling of members and have a charismatic leader
denomination
a large, mainstream religion that is not sponsored by the state
ecclesia (aka “church”)
a religion that is considered the state religion
religion
a system of beliefs, values, and practices concerning what a person holds to be sacred or spiritually significant
megachurch
a Christian church that has a very large congregation averaging more than 2,000 people who attend regular weekly services
monotheism
a religion based on belief in a single deity
liberation theology
the use of a church to promote social change via the political arena
established sects
sects that last but do not become denominations
religious beliefs
specific ideas that members of a particular faith hold to be true
polytheism
a religion based on belief in multiple deities
religious rituals
behaviors or practices that are either required for or expected of the members of a particular group
religious experience
the conviction or sensation that one is connected to “the divine”
sect
a small, new offshoot of a denomination