Based on OpenStax Introduction to Sociology 2e For Open Educational Resource Project CSCC College Credit Plus

1. Religion
Chapter 15
Based on OpenStax
Introduction to Sociology 2e

2. Sociology of Religion
• How and Why do Sociologist study religion?
– Different than the theological study of religion.
• Sociologist want to understand
– The relationship between religion, society and
culture.
– How does religion both reflect and influence
culture?
– How does religion function in a culture?

3. Sociological Definitions of Religion
1. Involves practices and beliefs which use and
generate ideas concerning the nature of the world,
the sacred vs the profane and the place of humans
in the world
2. A social institution whose beliefs and practices
focus on the sacred or supernatural
3. Social practices that involve the relationship
between humans and the supernatural or sacred
and which is expressed through belief and ritual

4. Key Terms
Religion vs non-religion
• Theism
– Monotheism -
– Polytheism
– Animism
– Pantheism
• Atheism and Agnosticism

5. Religion and Diversity
Sources of Religious Diversity
• Indigenous Religions
– Ancestor Recognition Rituals
– Shamanism
– Animism
– Pantheism

6. Religion and Diversity
World Religions (Most Common and spread
throughout most of the world)
– Hinduism
– Buddhism
– Judaism
– Christianity
– Islam

7. Religious Diversity
New Religious Movements
– Example – Scientology
– Revitalized Religious Movements
• Example - Neo-Paganism
• Diaspora Religions
– Examples - Voodoo or Voudon, Camdomble, Santeria

8. Religious Practices
• Mythology
– (not “mythical” as in nonexistent)
– Mythological as in a set of stories about the sacred that influence
world views)
• Ritual
– Consistently patterned behaviors of sacred intent
– Calendrical events, timing, function, rites of passage, rites of rebellion,
reversal (carnival).
• Magic
– Idea that humans can influence the world through manipulation of
supernatural power

9. Religious Practices
• Magic – Imitative, contagious, formula (alchemy)
• Prayer – Communication with the divine
• Altered States
• Shamanism
• Possession
• Ancestor Honoring Rituals