Download Anthropology of Religion

• General definition
– Beliefs and rituals concerned
with supernatural beings,
powers, and forces
Anthropology of Religion
In this presentation, learn how
anthropologists approach the study of
religion.
• Three parts
I.
Portray the world
supernaturally instead of
scientifically
• Animism
• Animatism
– Mana
Anthropology of Religion
In this presentation, learn how
anthropologists approach the study of
religion.
• Three parts
II. Symbolic expression of
feelings
• Durkheim: system of beliefs
and practices related to
sacred things
– Sacred
• Validation
• Affirms world view
• Understand contradictions
Anthropology of Religion
In this presentation, learn how
anthropologists approach the study of
religion.
• Three parts
– Ritual: repetitive,
stereotyped behaviors;
highly formalized
• Communitas
• Portrayal influence
– Magic
» Law of similarity
» Law of contagion
Anthropology of Religion
In this presentation, learn how
anthropologists approach the study of
religion.
• Three parts
– Ritual: repetitive,
stereotyped behaviors;
highly formalized
• divination
Anthropology of Religion
In this presentation, learn how
anthropologists approach the study of
religion.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Durkheim:
http://www.cas.sc.edu/socy/faculty/deflem/Durkheim.jpg
Geertz:
http://research.yale.edu/ccs/documents/public/geertz_by_Hag
adorn.jpg.jpe
Bali: http://blog.baliwww.com/wpcontent/photos/gebogan01.jpg
Hindu Govinda festival:
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20000824/23dtnws3.gif
Baptism: http://stmichael.instabook.com/baptism/baptism.jpg
Voodoo doll:
http://www.zombieye.com/images/voodoo_doll_lrg_power.jpg
Anthropology of Religion
In this presentation, learn how
anthropologists approach the study of
religion.