Discuss the relationship between religion and questions about the meaning of life
What will be an ideal response?
Religion seeks to answer important questions such as why we exist, why people suffer and die, and what happens when we die. Sociologist Peter Berger referred to religion as a "sacred canopy"—a sheltering fabric hanging over people that gives them security and provides answers for the questions of life. This sacred canopy requires that people have faith—unquestioning belief that does not require proof or scientific evidence.
According to sociologist Emile Durkheim, sacred refers to those aspects of life that are extraordinary or supernatural—in other words, those things that are set apart as "holy." People feel a sense of awe, reverence, deep respect, or fear for that which is considered sacred. Across cultures and in different eras, many things have been considered sacred, including invisible gods, spirits, specific animals or trees, alters, crosses, holy books, and special words or songs that only the initiated could speak or sing. Those things that people do not set apart as sacred are referred to as profane— the everyday, secular (worldly) aspects of life. Sacred beliefs are rooted in the holy or supernatural, whereas secular beliefs have their foundation in scientific knowledge or everyday explanations. Religion also comprises symbols and rituals. According to anthropologist Clifford Geertz, religion is a set of cultural symbols that establishes powerful and pervasive moods and motivations to help people interpret the meaning of life and establish a direction for their behavior. People often act out their religious beliefs in the form of rituals—regularly repeated and carefully prescribed forms of behaviors that symbolize a cherished value or belief. Rituals range from songs and prayers to offerings and sacrifices that worship or praise a supernatural being, an ideal, or a set of supernatural principles.
Some analysts believe that a more accurate metaphor for religion in the global village is that of the religious marketplace, in which religious institutions and traditions compete for adherents, and worshipers shop for a religion in much the same way that consumers decide what goods and services they will purchase in the marketplace.
You might also like to view...
In science, theories are always highly speculative ideas
Indicate whether this statement is true or false.
What are the norms for childhood in American society?
a. Children should be seen, but not heard. b. Childhood should be a sheltered time of few responsibilities. c. Children should learn adult roles at a young age. d. Children must be exposed to the harsh realities of life.
Discuss, with examples, language as an element of culture. How does language shape our perceptions, and in what ways is language political?
Please provide the best answer for the statement.
Which of these does the chapter text list as a major disadvantage of being in the lower class in the U.S.?
A. limited ability to move up in an occupation B. increased likelihood of domestic issues C. a shorter life expectancy D. a higher likelihood of being affected by hard economic times