Sociology: Chapter 18 Religion Work Packet

1. What are the three elements Durkheim said defined a religion?

-He said the three elements that defined a religion are beliefs, practices, and a moral
community.

2. What is a moral community?

- A simple group of people who are united by their religious practices.

3. How does religion provide a means of social control?

- Religion provides a means of social control because it can set limits on people’s behaviors.

4. What is state religion? Provide an example of state religion.

- State religions are religions sponsored by the government. An example of this is Christianity
in the US.

5. Why is Alcoholic Anonymous considered as a functional equivalent of religion?

-It is considered a functional equivalent to religion because it provides emotional comfort and
guidelines for daily life.

6. Identify at least three major religions and the symbol that represents each of them.

-Christianity , Judaism , and Islam .

7. What is meant by the term born again?

- The term born again is a term for Christians who have undergone a life-transforming
religious experience so radical that they feel they’ve become new persons.

8. What are the basic ideologies shared by Christians, Jews, and Muslims as it relates to
their common cosmology?
- They share the belief of only one God and the belief that the Creator of the universe will
hold us accountable for what we do.

9. What is meant by shunning as it is applied in the Amish community?

- It is to test one’s faith.

10. How did Karl Marx view religion?

- He was highly critical of religion and felt that religion is like a drug that helps struggling
people find an escape.
11. What is the difference between monotheism and polytheism? What was the first
monotheistic religion?
- Monotheism is the belief of one God and Polytheism is the belief of multiple. The first
monotheistic religion was Judaism.

12. What is the central element in Jewish teaching?

- The requirement to love God and do good deeds is the central element.

13. What is the fundamental difference between Hinduism when it is compared to Judaism,
Islam, and Christianity?
- Hinduism has no specific founder.

14. What do Islam and Judaism have in common?

- They have tracing ancestry to Abraham in common.