Lesson 3.2 - What are Religious Cosmologies?

What are the social roles of witches in different societies?

-enforcing sense of morality -social pressure to conform -ensures cooperation -ensures generosity -ensures support of the elderly

Different forms of witchcraft (Azande, Navajo, Wiccan)

Azande: nearly all suffering is attributed to witches; can be one without knowing Navajo: if you know about it, you are one (Klauckhoan - methodological atheist); witches usually male

Mythology

collection of sacred stories

the role of Jinn

fallen angels associated w bad events nonhuman

How do the companies respond?

treat workers like patients

Superhuman actors

witches, sorcerers

Why does it affect some people and not others?

women under stress

Different ancestor veneration practices and celebrations (Japan and China)

Japan: care for ancestors with respect and gratitude China: original relationship of duty to parents remain even after death

Cosmology

thinking about everything that exists religious worlds (beings)

How do beliefs about non-human actors (and the rules for interacting with them) shape social relations between human actors (ie- people)?

how people interact with the non human actors affect how they treat each other ex: Vineyard church; ppl can communicate

The difference between human, non-human, and superhuman actors

human- natural beings, no extraordinary powers non-human- spirits, gods, fairies superhuman- witches

Ancestor veneration

love and respect for the deceased they have continued existence

Different concepts of God/gods

non human actors

Non-human actors

spirits, gods, angels, demons, ancestors, fairies, deities

How does spirit possession affect Malaysian factory workers?

stopped hiring them, did not let them work as much

Second spear analysis

the one who is considered to have actually killed