Sociology

Sociology Study Guide

of optimism and tolerance and the cultural diversity that defines the nation. • There is no official state religion of the United States. The Constitution forbids such. • There is a protected freedom of religion. • Almost 70% of Americans belong to some kind of religious organization. • The cultural assumption implicitly expects a belief in God and/or religious principles. • Religious diversity and cultural pluralism has led to more than 75 large, organized religions. • Tolerance toward religious diversity is evident throughout society. • Sects and cults not tolerated. • Religion used not only as a source of beliefs and rituals, but also as a source of identity. • Political and social attitudes correlate with an individual’s religious affiliation. According to the most recent data available, the following table lists the top 5 religious bodies in the United States. In general, older Americans are the most likely to be a member of a particular religion. Social statuses are sometimes given to certain religions. Often, geography plays a part in what religion people are affiliated with. Religious participation, or the actual attendance and participation in activities, is declining asmore Americans find it unnecessary to attend services to be a good Christian or Jew. Religiosity, the nature and level of personal religious experiences, is hard to evaluate as every member has differing levels of commitment. Glock identified four dimensions of religiosity: • Experiential: The degree of emotional attachment to the supernatural • Ritualistic: The level of participation and attendance • Ideological: The commitment to the group’s beliefs • Consequential: The affect the religious involvement has on behavior. Thomas Luckman suggested one more dimension of religiosity: • Invisible religion: The idea that public service or attendance is not required because deeply held religious convictions are private. Religious Body Membership Catholic 6,640,710 Southern Baptist 1,640,000 United Methodist Church 825,104 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 559,917 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 498,492 Figure 9: Top 5 Religious Bodies in America

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