Sociology

Sociology Study Guide

• Animism: Belief system based on the existence of a spirit or force found in everythingwithin nature and which contains a soul. • Theism: Belief system based on one or more supreme beings or gods who deserve to be worshipped because of their power and influence. o Monotheism: Belief system based on the existence of one supreme god. o Polytheism: Belief system based on the existence of more than one god. • Ethical religions: Belief system based on philosophical ideals and how to achieve them. Organizations Religious organizations are in a process of continual change and adaptation. One denomination offshoots into another and one changes its face to focus on a different aspect of their religiousbeliefs. Change is constant. Sociologists have identified four types of religious organizations. • Ecclesia: Large, formally organized religious body that is considered the national or official religion. All members of a society belong to this body. An ecclesia welds influence over the government. Ecclesias are not common today, but some organizations roughly approximate them. • Denomination: Also known as a church, it is a well-established and socially accepted religious organization. Believers fall into the hierarchy and conform to doctrines and rituals. Denominations are usually tolerant of each other and are not officially linked to state or government. • Sect: Sects are small and less formally organized. They have split from a denomination and in some way protest against the parent religion. They are generally uncompromising and indifferent or hostile toward government. • Cult: Loosely organized religious movement with ideas that are in direct opposition to established and accepted religious traditions. Perspectives • Functionalist Perspective: Functionalists view religion as a means of integrating society members into the status quo by providing social support and reinforcement of values and norms. Religions also improve the community’s solidarity and are a means of transmitting cultural heritage from generation to generation. • Conflict Perspective: Just as they do all other aspects of society, conflict theorists view religion as a servant of the ruling class. Much of this perspective is derived from Marx’s theories of social inequality. He viewed religion as a tool to keep the oppressed oblivious to their plight while they concentrated on their religious totems, rituals, and beliefs. Marx also posited that social change was averted because believers accepted social inequalities as a part of their beliefs. U.S. Religions Religion in America has several distinct qualities; peace of mind, security, and positively-rewarded life-after-death are emphasized. The qualities of American religion have been molded by the values

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