Chapter 12

What are the three typical components of religion?

1. A faith or worldview that provides a sense of meaning and purpose in life. - "Meaning system" 2. A set of interpersonal relationships and friendship networks. - "Belonging system" 3. A stable pattern of roles, statuses, and organizational practices. - "Structural system"

What are the three main denominational structures in the USA?

1. Congregational: authority of the local congregation is supreme. 2. Episcopal: ultimate authority over local churches is in the centralized hands of bishops. - "Hierarchical" 3. Presbyterian Polity: a middle ground between episcopal and congregational structures. - Neither a single local congregation nor the hierarchy can trump the other

What are the three elements of religious meaning systems?

1. Myths 2. Rituals 3. Symbols

What are the four elements in Calvinist Protestant faith that Weber theorized foster capitalist growth?

1. Predestination 2. A calling 3. Self-denial 4. Individualism

According to the functionalist perspective of sociology, what important social functions does religion play?

1. Social cohesion - Belonging and unity with others - Communities with religious homogeneity have lower suicide rates 2. Legitimizing social values and norms - Sacralization of social norms and practices - Creates stability and absoluteness within a society 3. Social change - Can work for or against social change

Theocracy

A form of government in which religious leaders rule society in accordance with God's presumed wishes. - "Rule by God" - In less traditional theocracies, political leaders govern, but an official state religion received support via taxes

Sacred Realm

A realm of existence different from the mundane or profane world of our everyday experience. - Termed by Durkheim - Elicits feelings of awe, reverence, and fear - Above normal inquiry or doubt

Denominations

Centralized coordinating bodies or associations that link local congregations with a similar history and theology. - Requires freedom of religion and prohibition od state-endorsed churches - Three main structures: congregational, episcopal, and presbyterian polity.

Rituals

Ceremonies or repetitive practices, often used to invoke a sense of awe of the divine and to make certain ideas sacred. - Some religions emphasize orthopraxy over orthodoxy - Ex: Communion, praying five times daily facing Mecca, etc.

Symbols

Objects or actions representing something else, usually carrying deeper meaning.

Myths

Stories that transmit values and embody ideas about life and the world. - Does not imply that stories are untrue - Must carry truth or deep meaning - Ex: The exodus, the story of Nuliajuk

NRM

The beginning phase of an entirely new religion. - "New Religious Movement" - Once referred to as a cult, but the term is now misused and holds negative connotations -Usually begins with charismatic leader claiming to have insight directly from God

Secularization

The diminishing influence and role of religion in everyday life. - Often occurs because science "challenges" religion

Elective Affinity

The pattern of people belonging to religious groups that espouse values and characteristics compatible with their social status and self-interests.

Civil Religion

The set of beliefs, rites, and symbols that sacralize the values of the society and place the nation in the context of transcendent meaning, often giving it divine significance. - Ex: Pledge of Allegiance, national anthem, saluting the flag, etc.