Religion and Culture Flashcards
Etic Definition of Religion
belief in the supernatural
Pragmatic definition of Religion
A set of rituals performed to influence the supernatural
What are the two types of Sacred places and their universal characteristics?
Natural Settings
-Such as Waterfalls or tall mountains, Places that are naturally stunning or unreachable even Caves. (Where gods live / underworlds
Temples
- Idea that populations would be closer to the Gods and restricted unreachable locations thought to be sacred
What are universal characteristics of Religion
Some kind of belief in supernatural powers / entities
Gods, Spirits, Ghosts, etc…
What is the difference between Animism and Animatism?
Animism is the belief in supernatural beings, while Animatism is the belief in supernatural powers (Karma or Mana)
What are Universal characteristics of Mythologies?
They explain elements of history, culture and origins
They can not be proven or disproven
What are functions of Rituals?
To unite a community emotionally
To portray or act out important aspects of myths or cosmology
To influence the spiritual world (sorcery, curing rituals, etc)
To inspire feelings of awe or dread
-To remind people of the power the Gods have and bring them back into worship
What are types of rituals and their universal characteristics?
Crisis Rituals
- Performed whenever needed
Suggestive rituals like marriage
Calendrical Rituals
- Performed at specific times (Christmas, yearly occurrences, etc)
What are Social functions of Religion?
Social Control
Conflict Resolution
Group solidarity
What are psychological functions of religion?
Cognitive functions to explain the unknown (Meaning of life for example)
Emotional functions , to reduce stress or to pray for someone when they’re sick. To make us feel better through religion and belief
What is Magic compared to Religion?
Magic can generally be defined as the use of rituals to manipulate the supernatural
What is Religion compared to Magic?
Religion deals with the major issues of human existence (Meaning of life, death, relationships with deities)
Religion uses rituals to appeal to or petition supernatural powers for assistance
Religion tends to be a group activity
Religion usually is practiced at specific times
Religious practitioners are usually recognized by society
What are the four different types of magic? With explanation
Divination: Foreseeing the future
Healing: Curing Illnesses
Sorcery: Learned use of rituals to cause harm
Witchcraft: Using innate mental powers to harm others
What is Imitative Magic?
Rituals that act out or portray the intended result
(Magic produced by something)
Such as forms of Voodoo
What is Contagious magic>
The idea that things or people once in contact can influence each other after contact is broken
