Do Now: Reading Quiz

Aim: What is religion, and what role does it play in culture?

Field Note: Dying and Resurrection “When I made my first trip to the Soviet Union in 1964, the world was divided into West and East in the Cold War. I was cataloging the unique cultural landscape in my mind as my group drove along a road from Leningrad to Moscow: I was looking for evidence of communism on the landscape. The rural areas were filled with state and collective farms. To me, the most interesting aspect of the landscape was the multitude of churches in ruins.” Figure 7.1 Vyshniyvolochek, Russia. A Russian Orthodox church lies in ruins in this small village in © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

Field Note “Each religion approaches the disposition of the deceased in different ways, and cultural landscapes reflect religious traditions. In largely Christian, western regions, the deceased are buried in large, sometimes elaborate cemeteries. The Hindu faith requires cremation of the deceased. Wherever large Hindu communities exist outside of India, you will see crematoriums, the equivalent of a Hindu funeral home.” Figure 7.2 Mombasa, Kenya © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

According to Stoddard and Prorak, religion is “A system of beliefs and practices that attempts to order life in terms of culturally perceived ultimate priorities.” Religions set standards for how people “should” behave. Are constantly changing. What Is Religion, and What Role Does It Play in Culture?

Worship Prayer Rituals Take place through regular intervals Birth, marriage, and death Attainment of adulthood Religion manifests itself in may ways:

What is Secularism? Is the indifference to or rejection of religion. Europe has the most secular countries in the world today. PEW survey of the wealthiest countries. Even if your society is secular; what you eat, when you work, when you shop, and what you are allowed to do are influenced by religion.

PEW Survey Results Religion is not Important. US had the highest with 57% saying religion is important. 13% in France 8% in Sweden 7% in Czech republic Religion is very important. In sub-Saharan Africa, South East/west Asia and south America 98% in Senegal 97% in Bangladesh 95% in Indonesia 78% in Brazil

Religion in the past In the Middle Ages and into the colonial period the Christian church was a dominant force politically, economically, and culturally. Much of the art, architecture history, customs, and cultural norms derive from Christian beliefs and teachings. \

Postive Impact of Religion The number of adherents to a religion has a powerful effect on society. A major force in combating social ills, sustaining the poor, promoting the arts, educating the deprived and advancing the knowledge. \

Negative Impact of Religion Blocked scientific study Encouraged the oppression of dissidents Supported colonialism and exploitation condemned women to an inferior status in many societies. \

Describe how religion and language affect and change each other to shape cultures. Consider what happens to a society’s religion and language when a different religion or language diffuses to the place. \