24 Questions
What is a common characteristic of all religions, according to Emile Durkheim?
A community around their practices and beliefs
What is the sacred, according to Durkheim?
Aspects of life having to do with the supernatural that inspire awe
How many elements does Durkheim define as essential to religion?
3
What is the functionalist perspective on religion?
Religion fosters social solidarity
According to Durkheim, what is the primary function of a church?
To provide a moral community centered on beliefs and practices regarding the sacred
What is the role of religion in times of crisis, according to functionalist perspective?
It helps people adjust to life's problems
What is the definition of religion according to Tylor?
A belief in spiritual beings
What is the role of religion in terms of social change, according to functionalist perspective?
It often resists social change, but occasionally spearheads change
What is the main difference in the way people think about work and money in capitalism?
People started accumulating money not only for spending, but to invest it in order to make profits
Where did capitalism flourish according to Weber?
In Protestant countries
What did Protestantism's concept of predestination lead to?
A moral life, hard work, and being frugal
What happened to the money left over after people worked hard?
It was used as capital for investments
What did the Protestant ethic lead to?
A fundamental change in thought and behavior
What is the main characteristic of a cult?
Emphasis on the belief in the divine element
What is the relationship between the Protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism?
They are cultural traits that spread to societies around the globe
What is the main idea behind the Protestant ethic?
Self-denial and frugality
What is a suggested benefit of being involved in religious activities?
Involvement in social roles that produce a sense of self-worth and purpose in life
What is an example of a dysfunction of religion?
The Inquisition and religious persecution
What was the outcome of the Inquisition?
Men and women were tortured and burned at the stake
What is a function of rituals according to symbolic interactionists?
To unite people into a moral community
What is a belief system that is critical of religion?
Conflict Theory
What is a criticism of religion made by Karl Marx?
It is the opium of the people
What is a function of religious beliefs according to conflict theorists?
To legitimize social inequalities
What is a view of religion in terms of its relation to social inequality?
It is a means to perpetuate social inequality
Study Notes
Emile Durkheim's Views on Religion
- Surveyed religions around the world and found no specific belief or practice common to all religions
- Religions develop a community around their practices and beliefs
- Religions separate the sacred from the profane
- Sacred: aspects of life having to do with the supernatural that inspire awe, reverence, and respect
- Profane: aspects of life not concerned with religion or its purpose, but part of ordinary everyday life
Elements of Religion
- System of beliefs
- Practices
- Community of believers
Definition of Church
- A moral community centered on beliefs and practices regarding the sacred
- A group of people united by their religious practices
Functionalist Perspective on Religion
- Fosters social solidarity by uniting believers for a community that shares values and perspectives
- Helps people adjust to life's problems and provides guidelines for daily life
- Associated with prevailing social order, but occasionally spearheads change
Dysfunctions of Religion
- Justification for persecution
- War and terrorism
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
- Religions use symbols to provide identity and social solidarity for their members
- Rituals and beliefs are symbols that help unite people into a moral community
Rituals and Beliefs
- Rituals (ceremonies or repetitive practices) are symbols that help unite people
- Examples of rituals: Bar Mitzvah of Jewish boys, Holy Communion
- Beliefs include values and a cosmology (a unified picture of the world)
Conflict Perspective
- Criticizes religion for supporting the status quo and perpetuating social inequality
- Opium of the People: Karl Marx's view that religion is used to distract the oppressed from their suffering
Legitimation of Social Inequalities
- Religion teaches that existing social arrangements represent what God desires
Max Weber's Views on Religion and Capitalism
- The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism: capitalism represents a fundamentally different way of thinking about work and money
- Capitalism flourished in Protestant countries, while Roman Catholic countries held on to tradition
- Protestant concept of predestination led to a moral and hardworking lifestyle, which contributed to the accumulation of capital
Types of Religious Groups
- Cult: emphasizes the belief in the divine element, has a loosely knit group or an individual membership
Explore the concept of religion and its significance, including Emile Durkheim's findings on the common characteristics of religions worldwide. Learn about the sacred and profane aspects of life and how they relate to religious practices and beliefs.
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