RELIGION DEFINED

A unified system of beliefs and practices related to sacred things, that is, things set apart from the ordinary, to be regarded with awe and approached through ritual. These beliefs and practices unite those who hold them into a single moral community.

Emile Durkheim

The quest for ultimate meaning. Paul Tillich

A projection of the father to a higher being.

Sigmund Freud

The opiate of the masses.

Karl Marx

Sacred:

That which is defined as extraordinary, inspiring a sense of awe, reverence and/or fear.

Profane (from the Latin for "outside the temple"):

That which is an ordinary element of everyday life.

FUNCTIONS OF RELIGION

• Social Solidarity: Affirms group identity through ritual and practice; affirms common beliefs, norms and values
• Provides Meaning: Gives answers and rules about life; explains that life is part of a divine scheme which has ultimate meaning to explain joy and suffering
• Psychological Support: Offers transcendent relationship which supports and consoles; helps overcome uncertainties of life
• Social Control: Sanctifies norms and values of society by supporting, reinforcing and legitimating values that help the smooth functioning of society
• Consecrates Key Life Events: Interprets and celebrates important experiences in life through ritual: marriage, birth, death puberty rites, harvest, etc.
• Prophetic Function: Challenges existing value systems that contradict religious values; challenges religious community & society to "get back on track"

SECULARIZATION

The process by which religious institutions are confined to ever-narrowing spheres of social influence while people turn to secular sources for moral guidance in their everyday lives.

Functional Equivalent : A social or cultural feature that has the same effect as another and, because of that, may serve as a substitute for it.

Functional Equivalent of Religion: Ideologies and belief systems (e.g. Marxism, humanism, Freudianism, fascism, science, etc) that serve many functions of religion except for an orientation to the supernatural.

CATEGORIES OF RELIGION

Simple Supernaturalism:

Does not recognize specific gods or spirits but assumes that supernatural forces influence human events for better or worse.

Animism:

Belief that active, animate spirits exist in people and natural phenomena (mountains, plants, animals, weather, etc.) which may be benevolent or evil. These spirits can be influenced through ritual or magic but are not worshiped.

Theism:

Belief in god or gods who are assumed to be powerful, have an interest in human affairs, and are worthy of worship.

Transcendent Idealism:

Centers on sacred principles of thought and conduct (such as life, truth and tolerance of other beliefs) rather than on worship of a god. Goal is to reach an elevated state of consciousness and thus to fulfill one's human potential.

ECCLESIA

A "state church", i.e. claims the membership of everyone in the society. Closely tied to the political structures of the society and typically receives support from the state. Other religious groups are often not tolerated.

DENOMINATION

One of two or more well-established, relatively tolerant religious organizations in a society. May have started out as a "sect" but has grown tolerant of others and has taken on "respectability" as it attracts members of middle and upper classes.

SECT

An exclusive and uncompromising religious organization, usually one which has broken off from a denomination or ecclesia for reasons of doctrinal purity. Tends to draw members by conversion. Tends to see other religious groups as "out-groups" which are worldly and corrupt. Over time, tends to become more tolerant and may move into the category of denomination.

CULT

A loosely organized religious movement which differs significantly and is independent from the religious traditions of the surrounding society. Emphasizes new religious symbols and traditions rather than those of the religious mainstream. Often centered on charismatic leaders who are considered as prophets. Open in membership but usually places great demands for conformity to the group among its members.

CHARACTERISTICS OF RELIGION IN THE U.S.A.

• Religious Freedom: No ecclesia or state church; religious tolerance
• Religious Pluralism: Many groupings within predominant Christianity (87% Christian)
• Strong Religious Commitment: High report of religious activity
• Religiosity as a Value: Emphasis on "believing something"
• "Civil Religion" (Robert Bellah): Beliefs and rituals that sanctify secular American symbols and practices (e.g., the flag, pledge of allegiance, Constitution, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, etc. )