Religion and Its Ultimate Meaning

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Questions and Answers

What is a common characteristic of all religions, according to Emile Durkheim?

A rejection of the supernatural

A community around their practices and beliefs (correct)

A focus on the profane

A specific belief or practice

What is the sacred, according to Durkheim?

Aspects of life having to do with the supernatural that inspire awe (correct)

Aspects of life concerned with everyday routines

Aspects of life that are not concerned with religion

Aspects of life that are part of ordinary life only

How many elements does Durkheim define as essential to religion?

3 (correct)

What is the functionalist perspective on religion?

Religion fosters social solidarity Signup and view all the answers

According to Durkheim, what is the primary function of a church?

To provide a moral community centered on beliefs and practices regarding the sacred Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of religion in times of crisis, according to functionalist perspective?

It helps people adjust to life's problems Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of religion according to Tylor?

A belief in spiritual beings Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of religion in terms of social change, according to functionalist perspective?

It often resists social change, but occasionally spearheads change Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

Where did capitalism flourish according to Weber?

In Protestant countries Signup and view all the answers

What did Protestantism's concept of predestination lead to?

A moral life, hard work, and being frugal Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the money left over after people worked hard?

It was used as capital for investments Signup and view all the answers

What did the Protestant ethic lead to?

A fundamental change in thought and behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of a cult?

Emphasis on the belief in the divine element Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the Protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism?

They are cultural traits that spread to societies around the globe Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind the Protestant ethic?

Self-denial and frugality Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a dysfunction of religion?

The Inquisition and religious persecution Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Inquisition?

Men and women were tortured and burned at the stake Signup and view all the answers

What is a function of rituals according to symbolic interactionists?

To unite people into a moral community Signup and view all the answers

What is a belief system that is critical of religion?

Conflict Theory Signup and view all the answers

What is a criticism of religion made by Karl Marx?

It is the opium of the people Signup and view all the answers

What is a function of religious beliefs according to conflict theorists?

To legitimize social inequalities Signup and view all the answers

What is a view of religion in terms of its relation to social inequality?

It is a means to perpetuate social inequality Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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Description

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.