Religion In Modern Society Flashcards
What is religion
Is a complex and multifaceted social and cultural process that encompasses beliefs,rituals,practices,moral values and spiritual experiences
Religion as a form of culture
Encompasses beliefs,values,symbols, and social norms that shape the way individuals understand and experience the world
Religion as ritualised practice
Individuals participate and perform in ritual activities
E.g. Muslims pray five times a day facing mecca
These rituals serve as communication to the divine
Religion provides a sense of purpose
Religion provides meaning to life, and individuals often find guidance on how to live meaningful and moral lives
Is religion all about a belief in one God or gods?
Some religions focus more on principles rather than a belief in a deity. It’s not a universal requirement
Theism
Is the belief in the existence of one God or more gods
Monotheism
A belief in one particular God
Dietheism
Belief in two gods
Polytheism
a belief that more gods exist
Rituals
Symbolic actions, behavior, or ceremonies hold cultural or religious significance within the society. They are performed in a specific sequence to show appreciation or celebration
E.g. weddings, funerals, coming-of-age ceremonies, and religious worship services
Taboos
Refers to a practice that is socially prohibited against a certain behavior due to perceived moral religious or societal norms
E.g. ZCC don’t eat pork
E.g. boys that come from initiation schools don’t talk about what happened there
Totem
An object, animal, or plant that people believe it has supernatural qualities
Totemism
A practice in which a group of people typically a tribe or clan associate themselves with a particular animal or plant
E.g. the Ndebele people have totems known as “izibongo,” often used to identify clans within the Ndebele society
Animism
A belief that ghosts or spirits live around the world
Christianity
A monotheistic religion that is based on the life and teaching of Jesus
The key text is the bible
Islam
Derived from the teachings of prophet Mohammed
Key text is Koran
Karl marx: Religion is a opium of people
Karl Marx viewed religion as a tool used by the ruling class to control and pacify the working class, distracting them from their oppression and exploitation. He believed that religion reflects and reinforces social inequality.
Why is religion an opiate for marx
Promises an eternal bliss in the life after death. Makes poverty more tolerable. Some religions believe that the suffering produced by oppression is a virtue. Produces a false consciousness. Promotes a capitalist social order.
Durkhein: functionalism and religious rituals
Durkhein viewed religion as a fundamental aspect of society, serving to unify communities and provide a sense of solidarity among its members. He argued that religious rituals and beliefs create a collective consciousness, reinforcing social norms and values
Weber: Religions and social change
Weber famously discussed the protestant ethic and spirit of capitalism, suggesting that protestanism, particularly calvinism, played a significant role in the rise of modern capitalism by promoting values such as hard work and rationality.
The secularization thesis:Weber
Weber was also interested in the future of religion, which he suggested that as societies modernize and progress, religion loses its significance and influence over time. He argued that with the rise of rationality, science, and bureaucracy, traditional religious beliefs and practices would diminish in importance.
Religious fundametalism
Religious fundamentalism is an approach to religious belief and practices characterized by a strict adherence to traditional religious doctrines and a rejection of modern secular values and interpretation. They adhere to literal interpretations of their sacred texts or scriptures, and they believe that only one view exists, which is their own
Religious fundametalism
Religious fundamentalism is an approach to religious belief and practices characterized by a strict adherence to traditional religious doctrines and a rejection of modern secular values and interpretation. They adhere to literal interpretations of their sacred texts or scriptures, and they believe that only one view exists, which is their own
What way does sociology distinguish itself from other disciplines?
Sociology studies society, social interactions, and social structures. It takes a broader holistic approach, analyzing the interconnectedness of individuals, groups, institutions, and cultures within the society
