Elements of Religion and Community

Elements of Religion

• Religion and sociology have a relationship; the origin of this connection was discussed.
• Robert Wuthnow explained religious power through practice, discursive power, identity power, and political power.
• "If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences" (Thomas & Thomas, 1928:572). Religious elements aren't fixed but rather indicators of religion's role in society.
• Ontologically, religious elements are projected through symbolic representations.
• Varied social constructions influence the elements of religion.
• Religious elements serve as a point of convergence for diverse religions worldwide.
• Though flexible, these elements are valuable in understanding the social role of religion.

Community

• Shared experiences build religious identity, creating collective consciousness.
• Shared experiences and rituals foster a sense of identity and belonging.
• Religious structures aren't uniform; some are esoteric and unique, often debated.
• Examples include shamanic rituals like drum journeys.

Rituals

• Religious rituals are acts, practices, and customs for worshipping the sacred.
• Rituals venerate and honor the sacred.
• Rituals demonstrate religious beliefs through behaviors like prayers, offerings, feasts, meditations, or special attire.
• These rituals help people demonstrate strong religious beliefs and maintain their commitment to the sacred.

Belief

• Belief is a strong conviction that religiously affiliated people hold in their object of worship, believing that it can solve their problems.
• Belief in a sacred supernatural being is a foundation of most religions.
• Belief strongly influences adherents' actions and choices.

Organization

• Not all religions are structured, but many have organized hierarchies.
• Trained officials (priests, imams, cardinals, etc.) with authority occupy religious hierarchies.
• Rules, ordinances, and laws guide daily religious practices.

Demography

• Key demographic elements of religion include age, race, gender, population, immigration status, and occupation.

Objectives

• Religions often have goals.
• New Age spiritual practices frequently emphasize holistic healing at collective and individual levels.

Emotions

• Religion evokes feelings like reverence, humility, ecstasy, and even terror.
• Religious rituals and ceremonies can create feelings of absorption in the sacred.
• Emotional attachments to others during rituals may lead people to follow leaders.

Experience

• Religion is multifaceted, extending beyond beliefs and practices.
• It affects how people understand the world; Durkheim and Weber's analysis are relevant.
• Religious experiences are personal and unique.
• Religious experiences are fundamental to understanding religious identity; Dawson and Thiessen (2014) note that beliefs and practices are insufficient for understanding persistence of religion.

Socialization

• Socialization shapes new members' behavior.
• Religion is a powerful agent in socializing or resocializing people.

Conclusion

• Esoterism is a prominent characteristic of contemporary religion.
• All religious elements have an esoteric nature.

Reflexive Question

• Reflect on why you or those around you practice or don't practice religion.
• Consider the social implications of religious adoption.