Learning Objectives
15.1. The Sociological Approach to Religion
- Explain the difference between substantial, functional, and family resemblance definitions of religion.
- Describe the four dimensions of religion: Belief, ritual, experience, and community.
- Understand classifications of religion, like animism, polytheism, monotheism, and atheism.
- Differentiate between the five world religions.
- Explain the differences between various types of religious organizations: Churches, ecclesia, sects, and cults.
15.2. Sociological Explanations of Religion
- Examine the nature of sociological explanations of religion.
- Compare and contrast theories on religion — Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Berger, Stark, Daly, and Woodhead.
15.3. Religion and Social Change
- Describe current global and Canadian trends of secularization and religious belief.
- Describe the current religious diversity of Canada and its implications for social policy.
- Explain the development and the sources of new religious movements.
15.4. Contemporary Fundamentalist Movements
- Outline the social and political issues associated with fundamentalist movements.
- Define the family resemblance between fundamentalisms in different religious traditions.
- Describe the process of fundamentalist radicalization from a sociological perspective.
- Explain the basis of contemporary issues of science and faith.
Introduction to Religion
It is commonly said that there are only two guarantees in life — death and taxes — but what can be more taxing than the prospect of one’s own death? Ceasing to exist is an overwhelmingly terrifying thought and it is one which has plagued individuals for centuries. This ancient stressor has been addressed over time by a number of different religious explanations and affirmations. Arguably, this capacity to provide answers for fundamental questions is what defines religion. For instance, under Hindu belief one’s soul lives on after biological death and is reborn in a new body. Under Christian belief one can expect to live in a heavenly paradise once one’s time runs out on earth. These are just two examples, but the extension of the self beyond its physical expiration date is a common thread in religious texts.
These promises of new life and mystifying promise lands are not simply handed out to everyone, however. They require an individual to faithfully practice and participate in accordance to the demands of specific commandments, doctrines, rituals, or tenants. Furthermore, despite one’s own faith in the words of an ancient text, or the messages of a religious figure, an individual will remain exposed to the trials, tribulations, and discomforts that exist in the world. During these instances a theodicy — a religious explanation for such sufferings — can help keep one’s faith by providing justification as to why bad things happen to good, faithful people. Theodicy is an attempt to explain or justify the existence of bad things or instances that occur in the world, such