1. Questions (Begin Notes)
How do you define “religion”?
What does religion mean to you?

2. Ch Religion

3. Religion and the Meaning of Life
Religion seeks to answer important questions such as why we exist, why people suffer and die, and what happens when we die.
Religion seeks to explain suffering, death, and injustice in the realm of the sacred.
Things that people do not set apart as sacred are referred to as profane—the everyday, secular or “worldly” aspects of life.

4. Sociological Meaning of Religion
Religion – a unified system of beliefs and practices concerned with sacred things.
Every society distinguishes between the sacred and the profane.
Sacred – holy; set apart and given a special meaning that goes beyond, or transcends, immediate existence.
Profane – nonsacred or secular

5. What are things that are sacred to you?
What is profane?
Can profane things become sacred and vice versa?

6. Sociological Study of Religion
A sociologist only studies things it can see.
Therefore, they stay away from the spiritual side of religion
They focus on social aspects of religion.

7. Polling Question
How important would you say religion is in your own life?
Very important
Fairly important
Not very important
No opinion

8. Major World Religions Christianity Islam Current Followers 1.7 billion
Founder
Jesus
Muhammad
Date
1st century C.E.
ca. 600 C.E

9. Major World Religions Hinduism Buddhism Current Followers 719 million
Founder
No specific founder
Siddhartha Gautama
Date
ca B.C.E
500 to 600 B.C.E.

10. Major World Religions Judaism Confucianism Current Followers
18 million
5.9 million
Founder
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob
K’ung Fu-Tzu
Date
ca B.C.E.
500 B.C.E