SOCIOL 1101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 15: Symbolic Interactionism, Totem, Liberation Theology
7 Apr 2017
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Religion has been found in all human societies since societies first began. Durkheim said it is all things that surpass the limits of our knowledge. Religion: a system of beliefs, values, and practices concerning what a person holds to be sacred or spiritually significant. Among its manifest (open + stated) functions, religion defines the spiritual world and gives meaning to the divine. It also often provides an explanation for events. Provides shared meaning, symbols, values, and norms; especially during times of fear/confusion, social similarity. Can provide relief during hard times, either through community or through belief. Weber argued that protestantism helped spur on the development of capitalism (liberation theology) It is clearly deeply important to ppl. A significant portion of the populations feels so. Where we are born and live affects what religion we practice. Of its implications (both functional and conflict) for societies. One can study the detailed nature of religions and their specific beliefs.
