Religion Social Institutions

What is Religion? Definition Emile Durkheim: Religion is a “unified system of beliefs and practices related to sacred things” Sacred means “things set apart and forbidden” Religion is “beliefs and practices which unite into one single moral community”

Religion in the World Christian: 31.5% Islam: 22.3% Non-religious: 15.4% Hinduism:13.9%

Religion in the World Christian: 31.5% Islam: 22.3% Non-religious: 15.4% Hinduism:13.9% Chinese Traditional:5.5% Buddhism:5.3% Ethnic Religions:4.2% African Traditional:1.4% Sikhism:0.3% Judaism:0.2% Spiritism:0.2% Baha'i:0.1% Jainism:0.06% Shinto:0.06% Zoroastrianism:0.04% Tenrikyo:0.03% Unitarian Universalism:0.01% Rastafarianism:0.01%

Religion in the U.S. Christian70.6% Jewish1.9% Muslim 0.9% Buddhist0.7% Hindu0.7% Other Religion0.3% Nonreligious22.8% ‘Don’t Know’0.6%

Religion in the U.S. Christian 70.6% Protestant 46.6% Baptist25.3% Pentecostal8.9% Lutheran5.1% Presbyterian3.8% Methodist3.6% Other5.2% Catholic 20.8% Mormon1.6% Jehovah’s Witness0.8% Orthodox0.5% Other Christian0.4% Jewish1.9% Muslim 0.9% Buddhist0.7% Hindu0.7% Other Religion0.3% Nonreligious22.8% Atheist3.1% Agnostic4.0% ‘Don’t Care’15.8% ‘Don’t Know’0.6%

Religion in the U.S. Religious Preferences in the United States Roughly 75 percent of all Americans identified themselves with Christian denominations in 2008 Religious fundamentalism appeals to political conservatives Both education level and political affiliation are related to religion for most groups, with the exception of African Americans and Latinos Religion examines humanity’s relationship to matters beyond human observation while science is about the observable Today, many people are questioning whether “pure science” can remain independent of cultural or social norms, particularly because scientific processes are moving into ethically debatable areas

Religion in the U.S. Religious Freedom The Puritans viewed themselves as a religious example for the world to follow and admire The Framers of the U.S. Constitution seldom raised arguments against religious faith, but they were sharply critical of any entanglement between religion and the state The ideas of separation of church and state and freedom of religious expression are cornerstones of American life There have been several “Awakenings” in American history, when religious principles have guided the development of culture and society

Religion in the U.S. Secularization Countering the growth of religion in American history has been secularization Through secularization, the sacred loses influence over society or aspects of the sacred enter into the secular (profane) world of everyday life Some findings from surveys indicate a decline in the importance of religion in the United States in recent years but still, the United States appears to be a religious nation when compared with other industrialized countries Percentage of Population Who Attend Weekly Religious Services Religious life in the United States has become much more diverse in recent years, but Americans still tend to support traditional religious beliefs

What is the Point of Religion? Functionalism: What are the contributions of religion to society? Legitimates social arrangements Births Weddings Funerals Promotes social unity A gathering place Equality Provides a sense of understanding Where did the world come from? What is the purpose of life? What is right and wrong?

What is the Point of Religion? Conflict Theory Elites use religion to manipulate the masses Religion is used by the most powerful to justify their economic, political, and social advantages Examples The masses accept oppression in hopes of a better existence in the afterlife

What is the Point of Religion? Symbolic Interactionism People create symbolic meanings from their religious beliefs, rituals, and ideas Symbols pictured top right The rosary

What is the Point of Religion? Symbolic Interactionism People create symbolic meanings from their religious beliefs, rituals, and ideas Symbols pictured top right The rosary

What is the Point of Religion? Symbolic Interactionism People create symbolic meanings from their religious beliefs, rituals, and ideas Symbols pictured top right The rosary Nepali prayer flags

What is the Point of Religion? Symbolic Interactionism People create symbolic meanings from their religious beliefs, rituals, and ideas Symbols pictured top right The rosary Nepali prayer flags People use their socially created symbolic meanings to guide everyday social interactions