SOC101Y1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 21: Public Culture, Kaaba, Social Inequality
Document Summary
Offered answers to most of life"s questions (truth/false, right/wrong) Imbued every aspect of human social life with meaning (birth, death, rites of passage) Religious beliefs so common that most societies had no word for religion. Means different things no consensus on definitions. Substantive definitions focus on what religion is. 4) to be religious is to believe" in something to be religious entails actions to be religious involves emotions religion is a social phenomenon. Functional definitions focus on what religion does: provides meaning and purpose to life, promotes social cohesion and a sense of belonging, provides social control. Many definitions attempt to combine both, such as sociologist emile durkheim: Religion as a system of beliefs, symbols, rituals, based on some sacred or supernatural realm, that guides human behavior, gives meaning to life, and unites believers into a community. National anthem includes the line god keep our land glorious and free! .
