religion and beliefs

• What do Super and Turley (2006) suggest about religion?

  It reflects humanity's need to understand life’s mysteries
• How does modern science and secularization affect religion?

  Religion remains a powerful institution despite challenges
• What is Edward Tylor's substantive definition of religion?


  Belief in a supernatural being
• What does Milton Yinger's functional definition of religion emphasize?


  Religion as a source of meaning and social order
• How does Durkheim define religion?

  As a unified system of beliefs and practices related to sacred things
• What are the characteristics of religion according to Emile Durkheim (1915)?

  • Distinction between sacred and profane
  • Faith is acceptance without clear evidence
  • Rituals and ceremonies stimulate faith
  • Religious communities foster social order
• What is the distinction between sacred and profane in religion?

  Sacred refers to revered domains, profane to everyday life
• What role do rituals and ceremonies play in religion?

  They stimulate faith among believers
• How do religious communities contribute to society?

  They organize and foster social order
• What are the functions of religion according to Peter Berger (1973)?

  • Legitimation of social institutions
  • Distinction between sacred and profane
  • Response to suffering
• How does religion legitimize social institutions?

  By providing ultimate meaning and framing societal norms
• What does the sacred vs. profane distinction signify?

  It distinguishes everyday life from revered domains
• How does religion respond to human suffering?

  It offers explanations for suffering and negative experiences
• What did Karl Marx say about religion?

  "Religion is the opium of the people."
• How does Karl Marx view the role of religion in society?

  As a tool for maintaining unequal social systems
• What does Max Weber argue about religion's impact on society?

  Religion fosters social change
• What is the main idea of Weber's "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism"?

  Calvinist beliefs promoted work ethics and capitalism
• What is supernaturalism in religious beliefs?

  • Belief in non-material forces
  • These forces affect the physical world
• What is animism?

  • Worship of nature spirits
  • Reverence for ancestors
• What is totemism?

  • Belief in natural elements
  • These elements influence life
• What is polytheism?

  Belief in multiple gods
• Which religion is an example of polytheism?

  Hinduism
• What is monotheism?

  Belief in one God
• Which religions are examples of monotheism?

  Christianity and Islam
• What is a church in terms of religious organization?

  Formal, large, institutionalized organization
• What are the characteristics of a church?

  Hierarchical structure, professional class, set of rules
• Give an example of a church.

  Roman Catholic Church
• What defines a denomination?

  Less formal than a church, many members
• What are the characteristics of a denomination?

  Cooperative orientation, moderate demands, voluntary membership
• Name an example of a denomination.

  Protestant denominations like Baptists
• What is a sect?

  Religious organization differing from mainstream religions
• What are the characteristics of a sect?

  Strict beliefs, small independent structure, minority status, high commitment
• Provide an example of a sect.

  Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC)
• What defines a cult?

  Small organization with unorthodox beliefs
• What are the characteristics of a cult?

  Charismatic leadership, non-traditional beliefs, isolation from society
• Give an example of a cult.

  People’s Temple
• What major religions are found in West Asia?

  Judaism, Christianity, Islam
• What major religions are found in South Asia?

  Hinduism, Buddhism
• What is the origin of Judaism?

  Hebrew word Yehudim ("Judah")
• Who is the founder of Judaism?

  Abraham