Religion

Chapter 15
Based on OpenStax
Introduction to Sociology 2e
Sociology of Religion

• How and Why do Sociologist study religion?

– Different than the theological study of religion.
• Sociologist want to understand
– The relationship between religion, society and
culture.
– How does religion both reflect and influence
culture?
– How does religion function in a culture?
Sociological Definitions of Religion

1. Involves practices and beliefs which use and

generate ideas concerning the nature of the world,
the sacred vs the profane and the place of humans
in the world
2. A social institution whose beliefs and practices
focus on the sacred or supernatural
3. Social practices that involve the relationship
between humans and the supernatural or sacred
and which is expressed through belief and ritual
Key Terms

Religion vs non-religion
• Theism
– Monotheism -
– Polytheism
– Animism
– Pantheism
• Atheism and Agnosticism
Religion and Diversity

Sources of Religious Diversity

• Indigenous Religions
– Ancestor Recognition Rituals
– Shamanism
– Animism
– Pantheism
Religion and Diversity

World Religions (Most Common and spread

throughout most of the world)
– Hinduism
– Buddhism
– Judaism
– Christianity
– Islam
Religious Diversity

New Religious Movements

– Example – Scientology
– Revitalized Religious Movements
• Example - Neo-Paganism
• Diaspora Religions
– Examples - Voodoo or Voudon, Camdomble, Santeria
Religious Practices

• Mythology
– (not “mythical” as in nonexistent)
– Mythological as in a set of stories about the sacred that influence
world views)
• Ritual
– Consistently patterned behaviors of sacred intent
– Calendrical events, timing, function, rites of passage, rites of rebellion,
reversal (carnival).
• Magic
– Idea that humans can influence the world through manipulation of
supernatural power
Religious Practices

• Magic – Imitative, contagious, formula (alchemy)

• Prayer – Communication with the divine
• Altered States
• Shamanism
• Possession
• Ancestor Honoring Rituals