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Chapter 15
Religion
Chapter Outline
Using the Sociological Imagination
 Religion, Science, and Sociology
 Theoretical Perspectives
 Religion: Structure and Practice
 Religion in the United States

Religion


System of beliefs and practices about
sacred things found in nearly all societies.
Functions:
 Legitimates the structure of society
 Promotes social unity
 Provides a sense of meaning and
belonging
Major World Religions
Religion
Number of
followers
Main Beliefs
Moral conduct and
Confucianism 5,086,000
right human
relationships
God established a
covenant with the
people of Israel,
Judaism
13,866,000
who are called to
lives of justice and
mercy.
Major World Religions
Religion
Hinduism
Number of
followers
Main Beliefs
Brahman is the principle
and source of the
universe. Life is
793,076.000
determined by the law of
karma.
Major World Religions
Religion
Number of
followers
Buddhism 325,275,000
Main Beliefs
By adherence to the
Eightfold Path, one can
escape from desire and
suffering and achieve
nirvana.
Major World Religions
Religion
Number of
followers
Islam
1,126,325,000
Main Beliefs
Muhammad received
the Koran from God.
Believers go to an
eternal Garden of
Eden.
Christianity 1,955,229,000 Jesus is the son of
God. Through God’s
grace and profession
of faith, people
achieve eternal life
Division of World Population
by Religions
Theoretical Perspectives:
Religion
Functionalism
Concept
Religion makes specific
contributions to society.
Example
Legitimates social arrangements.
Promotes social unity.
Provides understanding.
Encourages a sense of belonging.
Theoretical Perspectives:
Religion
Conflict Theory
Concept
Elites use religion to manipulate
the masses.
Example
Religion is used by the most
powerful to justify their
economic, political, and social
advantage.
Theoretical Perspectives:
Religion
Symbolic Interactionism
Concept
People create symbolic meanings
from their religious beliefs,
rituals, and ideas.
Example
People use their socially created
symbolic meanings to guide
everyday social interaction.
Religious Organizations
Churches
 Denominations
 Sects
 Cults

Five Dimensions of
Religious Expression
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Belief
Ritual
Intellectual
Experience
Consequences
Religious Believers
% of Americans Saying Religion Is
Very Important in Their Lives
Social Class, Politics and
Religion

The major religious faiths can be
ranked based on :
 Educational level
 Income
 Occupational prestige.