Sociology: Significance of Religion in Society

Montheism

• Belief that there is only one god or in the oneness of god, emphasizing uniqueness rather than oneness
• Unable to fully explain the origin of evil in a universe under the government of one god

Separation of Church and State

• 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article II, Section 6: freedom of religion and worship
• Article III, Section 5: no religious test required for civil and political rights
• Churches and religious institutions are tax-exempt, but no public funds should be used to support them

Non-State Institutions

• Establishments not owned or controlled by the government, can be for-profit or non-profit
• Serve significant functions in society

Banks

• Institutions offering financial services such as safe-keeping, currency conversion, lending, and bill acceptance

Significance of Religion

• Provides explanation for the unknown and certainty
• Gives meaning and purpose to beliefs
• Integrates and maintains social cohesion and group solidarity
• Allays individual fears and provides reassurance
• Serves as a means of control and legitimizes societal values

Forms of Religion

• Animism: belief that natural objects have souls that can help or harm human interests
• Non-violence against all creatures
• Polytheism: belief in multiple gods, with each domain having its own god

Corporations

• Entities created and treated as individual persons under the law
• Have legally enforceable rights, such as acquiring debt, holding property, and paying taxes

Cooperatives

• Business owned and run jointly by members who share equal profits and benefits
• Started as credit cooperatives, encouraging people to save and earn

Trade Unions

• Organizations consisting of workers and union leaders, united to protect and promote their common interests
• Concerns include negotiation, worker-employer relations, and collective bargaining agreements

Transnational Advocacy Groups

• Groups championing political, economic, and social causes to empower disadvantaged minority groups
• Includes diverse national and international organizations influencing international policy and practice

Development Agencies

• Local or international groups committed to pursuing specific developmental agendas
• Includes government agencies, multilateral donors, and private voluntary organizations

International Organizations

• Organizations transcending national boundaries in terms of members, scope, presence, and impacts
• Can be governmental or non-governmental, operating internationally to define the international agenda, settle disputes, and facilitate cooperation

Social and Political Stratification

• Categorizing people as rich or poor happens subconsciously in everyday life

Middle Class

• In the Philippines, classified as:
  • Lower-middle-income class: ₱24,164 - ₱48,328 monthly income
  • Middle-middle-income class: ₱48,328 - ₱84,574 monthly income
  • Upper-middle-income class: ₱84,574 - ₱144,984 monthly income

Upper Class

• Elite families who are the most abundant and successful in their respective areas, owning the means of production and distribution of goods and services
• In the Philippines, classified as:
  • Upper-income class: ₱144,984 - ₱241,640 monthly income
  • Rich: ₱241,640 and above monthly income

Prestige and Esteem

• Prestige: respect and recognition attached to one's status, not dependent on individual behavior
• Esteem: assessment of one's behavior with respect to their role, dependent on how one carries out their duties