Module 6 (Religion as a Social Institution) Flashcards
according to edward b taylor, religion is the belief in what?
Religion is the “belief in spiritual beings.”
why study religion?
Understanding religion is key to understanding any culture due to its pervasive historical presence and influence on social conflicts and values.
according to emile durkheim, religion is what?
Religion is a “unified system of beliefs and practices related to sacred things, creating a moral community.”
Patterns of beliefs and behaviors that help societies meet their basic needs.
Religion as a Social Institution
How do people commonly associate religion?
Places of worship, practices, or guiding concepts.
What common agreement exists about religion?
It is a system of beliefs, values, and practices concerning what is sacred or spiritually significant.
Why is religion considered both personal and social?
Individual beliefs can be highly personal, but religion also functions as an organized, integrated social institution.
What makes religion a cultural universal?
It is found in all social groups and cultures.
How do funeral rites illustrate religion as a cultural universal?
Every culture practices funeral rites with common elements, despite variations in customs.
What are some common elements of funeral rites?
Announcement of death, care of the deceased, disposition, and ceremony or ritual.
Why are universals and differences in religious practices important for sociological study?
They provide rich material to understand social organization and cultural norms.
different terms in religion distinguished by sociologists
religious experience, religious belief, religious rituals
refers to the conviction or sensation that one is connected to “the divine.” this type of communion might be experienced when people are praying or meditating.
religious experience
are specific ideas that members of a particular faith hold to be true, such as that Jesus Christ was the son of God, or believing in reincarnation. another illustration of religious beliefs is that different religions adhere to certain stories of world creation.
religious belief
different forms of beliefs in the divine
animism, monotheism, and polytheism.
the earliest form of religion, it is the belief that physical things are occupied by spirits.
animism
the belief in the existence of one god
monotheism
the belief in the existence of many gods
polytheism
these are behaviors or practices that are either required or expected of the members of a particular group, such as bar mitzvah or confession
religious rituals
One of the world’s oldest monotheistic religion, dating back nearly 4,000 years. Followers of this religion believe in one God who revealed himself
through ancient prophets.
judaism
Who is considered the founder of Judaism?
Abraham
What name do Jewish people use for God?
Yahweh
How did Judaism begin according to tradition?
God (Yahweh) spoke to Abraham.
What type of religion is Judaism?
Monotheistic
How do Jewish people view their relationship with God?
They consider themselves God’s “Chosen People.”
What is the special covenant in Judaism?
There is only one God, and Jewish people have a special covenant with Him.
What do adherents of Judaism do in exchange for God’s blessings?
Keep God’s laws and try to bring holiness into every aspect of their lives.
What is the most significant religious text in Judaism?
The Torah