Sociology Chapter 18 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Why is religion classified as a universal social institution?

It meets basic human needs.

What is the primary reason sociologists study religion?

To study the role that religion plays in people's lives.

What was the influential book on religion published in 1912 by Emile Durkheim?

The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life.

Why can't sociologists empirically study religion?

Religion is a matter of faith that is beyond objective evaluation. Signup and view all the answers

What did Durkheim call the common elements of everyday life?

Profane. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three elements of religion based on the writings of Emile Durkheim?

Beliefs, practices, moral community. Signup and view all the answers

From Durkheim's perspective, what do Buddhists bowing before a shrine, Hindus dipping into the Ganges River and Aztecs sacrificing virgins all have in common?

They all qualify as moral communities. Signup and view all the answers

Which sociological perspective is aligned with the belief that religion attaches meaning to our lives?

Functionalism. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion did epidemiologist Lynda Powell and her colleagues reach after studying data on the effects of participation in organized religion on health?

People who attended religious services at least once a week have 25 percent fewer deaths than people who do not attend church. Signup and view all the answers

What does incorporating religious teachings into criminal law illustrate about religion?

It is a means of social control. Signup and view all the answers

As a state religion in past centuries, Lutheranism was to Sweden as ________ was to Switzerland.

Calvinism. Signup and view all the answers

How would sociologists classify communism in respect to its religious qualities?

It is a functional equivalent of religion. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two dysfunctions of religion addressed in the textbook?

Religious persecution; war and terrorism. Signup and view all the answers

When viewing communism as a functional equivalent of religion, which book provides its most sacred writings?

The Communist Manifesto. Signup and view all the answers

Next week, Abraham and Hazel will attend the bar mitzvah of their nephew. Their nephew's bar mitzvah is an example of a religious ________.

ritual. Signup and view all the answers

From a symbolic interactionist perspective, what does wearing a cross signify for Christians?

It is a condensed way for the wearer to say, 'I am a follower of Jesus Christ.' Signup and view all the answers

What do Jews, Christians and Muslims all share in common regarding their belief?

They all share the same cosmology. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term that refers to a sudden awareness of the supernatural or a feeling of coming in contact with God?

Religious experience. Signup and view all the answers

The Star of David is to the Jews as the ________ is to the Hindus.

cow. Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for the bond that members of a respective faith share with one another?

Kindred spirit. Signup and view all the answers

What did Marx mean by the statement 'Religion is...the opium of the people'?

Religion diverts the thoughts of workers to the afterlife rather than toward rebellion against their worldly oppressors. Signup and view all the answers

What phrase describes what has happened to Pietro after he received a vision to change church policy?

Pietro has been excommunicated. Signup and view all the answers

Among the Amish, what is the term for ignoring a member of the community because he or she has broken an important covenant?

Shunning. Signup and view all the answers

What is the transformation of traditional societies to industrial societies called?

Modernization. Signup and view all the answers

What does the spirit of capitalism refer to, as proposed by Max Weber?

It is a new approach to work and money that emphasizes investment to make profit. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Religion addresses fundamental human needs and is universally recognized across cultures.
It plays a significant role in individuals' lives, influencing behaviors and perceptions.

Sociological Study of Religion

Sociologists examine how religion impacts people's lives and societal structures.
Empirical study of religion faces challenges as it involves subjective beliefs, which are difficult to evaluate objectively.

Contributions of Emile Durkheim

Emile Durkheim's influential work: The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life, published in 1912.
Durkheim identified three elements of religion: beliefs, practices, and moral communities.
Terms used by Durkheim: 'profane' refers to everyday life elements, while rituals signify collective practices within communities.

Perspectives on Religion

Functionalism views religion as a means to create meaning, provide comfort during hardships, foster solidarity, and serve as a guideline for behavior.
Evidence indicates a positive correlation between organized religion and health, including a 25% reduction in mortality for regular attendees of religious services.

Incorporation of religious values into laws exemplifies religion's role in social control.

Perspectives on Communism

Communism is viewed as a functional equivalent to religion, with its foundational text being The Communist Manifesto.

Dysfunctional Aspects of Religion

Two significant dysfunctions of religion include religious persecution and the incitement of war and terrorism.

Religious Symbols and Experiences

Symbolic interactionism interprets symbols like the cross as expressions of identity among believers.
Common cosmology shared by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam emphasizes accountability to a singular God.

Important Terminology in Religion

'Religious experience' denotes moments of heightened spiritual awareness or contact with the divine.
Terms like 'kindred spirit' define the bonds among members of a religious faith.

Karl Marx's Perspective

Marx's critique of religion suggests it distracts the oppressed from their plight, famously stating, "Religion is...the opium of the people."

Church Discipline Practices

Excommunication refers to the official exclusion from a religious community, exemplified by Pietro's situation in the Catholic Church.
Among the Amish, 'shunning' is a common practice for members violating community covenants.

Societal Changes

The process of modernization denotes the shift from traditional to industrial societies.

Concept of Capitalism

Max Weber's 'spirit of capitalism' characterizes a new attitude towards work and economics, emphasizing profit-driven investments.

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Test your knowledge with these flashcards from Chapter 18 of Sociology. Focus on key concepts of religion as a social institution, the role of religion in society, and influential works like Durkheim's. Perfect for a deeper understanding of sociology.