Review Flashcards
(126 cards)
1
Q
What is religion? How can it be defined? Can it be defined?
A
There is no real definition of religion, people have tried to define it but there are too many variables at play.
2
Q
Why study religion?
A
Studying religion helps you understand different cultures as you can’t have culture without religion. It is also sometimes common in politics because the separation of church and state is not always defined. The definition of religion is important because religion is a protected right under the US Constitution, and the same is true in other countries.
3
Q
How has the study of religion changed?
A
Religion has shifted from theologically-centered belief to a more scientific approach.
4
Q
According to Solomon in Flight from Death, what is the death anxiety? What does it have to do with religion?
A
Death anxiety is the fear about what will happen when we die. Ex: What will happen to our families? Where will we go? Etc
It is related to religion because some people turn to religion to cope with their death anxiety. It provides an explanation for what happens and explains some of the unknown.
5
Q
According to Flight from Death, what is death anxiety and why does religion exist as its remedy? Is this a compelling argument? Why or why not?
A
Religion provides an explanation for what happens and explains some of the unknown. This is a compelling argument because religion can take away the “unknown” aspect of death, which is the Eason for most people’s anxiety. This is not entirely compelling because there are many instances where religion increases followers’ risks of death.
6
Q
According to Flight from Death, what is the meaning/importance of death rituals? Religious rituals in general?
A
Death rituals serve as remembrance and puts a positive spin in grief. Religious rituals mark certain objects and times as sacred.
7
Q
According to Flight from Death, what is the relationship between religion and culture?
A
They go hand in hand, can’t have one without the other.
8
Q
According to Flight from Death, what is the difference between symbolic and literal immortality?
A
Symbolic- Showcased through famous works of art, literature, or contributions to society
Literal- an individual’s belief in the afterlife or the continuation of life beyond death
9
Q
What does Tylor say about psychic unity? Why is this important to his theory?
A
Regardless of culture or race, we are all the same. We have the same mental capacity. Brought about the theory of evolution. In generations, each theorist would piggyback off the last and this theory connects us to today. Different peoples in different places independently develop similar ideas about the world, following a natural intellectual evolution. The current beliefs of a group reflect the level of advancement of their society.
10
Q
What is the doctrine of survivals?
A
Certain customs, beliefs or practices persist in a culture even after their original significance has faded. Like saying “bless you”. Cultural remnants are like fossils, reflecting earlier stages of human intellectual development.
11
Q
Explain Tylor’s theory of religion.
A
Sees religion as originating from primitive attempts to explain natural phenomena.
Three stage evolution- animism (belief in spirits), polytheism (worship of multiple gods), and monotheism (belief in a single, supreme deity)
Believes that only primitive religion is shaped by dreams, visions, and death.
12
Q
What are totems? Why does Frazer find them important?
A
Totems are sacred objects that represent animals, plants, or other things that are deemed sacred. He finds them important because they provide insights into early religious and magical thinking, illustrating the close connection between humans and the natural world.
13
Q
What is the argument of Frazer’s Golden Bough?
A
The concept of the dying god as a central motif in religious practices. Many myths and rituals involve a dying god.
14
Q
What is animism?
A
The belief that natural objects, phenomena, and the environment possess spirits or souls. Tylor sees animism as an early stage in the evolution of religious thought, where humans attribute consciousness to inanimate objects.
15
Q
What is magic?
A
Magic involves rituals and practices aimed at influencing supernatural forces to achieve desired outcomes
When the natural world wouldn’t do what people needed, they looked at other ways to change it (Ex. if there was a drought, they would do dances or draw rain so it would come)
16
Q
Explain the three critiques of Tylor and Frazer’s works
A
- Evolutionary bias
- Believe that people go from primitive to civilized in religion
- Colonist ideology - Universalization of belief system
- Oversimplifying human spirituality
- Highlighted similarities across beliefs and religions instead of analyzing them individually (were very broad) - Community
- Fail to consider social/communal aspects of religion
17
Q
What do you think of Tylor and Frazer’s approaches?
A
Benefits
- Comparative analysis, common patterns and themes in religion
- Shaped religious studies
- Historical significance
Drawbacks
- Eurocentric bias
- Generalization of belief systems (didn’t analyze them separately)
- Relied on interpretations of ethnographic data
18
Q
Find an example of a totem in everyday life
A
Family heirlooms- jewelry, furniture, photographs
Sports team logos
National flags
Religious symbols- crosses, star of David
Company logos
19
Q
What in Freud’s early life may have been relevant to his theories on religion?
A
Freud was brought up Jewish in the largely Catholic city of Vienna, which may have played a part in his dismissal of religion at large.
20
Q
What is Freud’s theory of religion?
A
Religion is an illusion, a form of neurosis. It derives its strength from the fact that it falls in with our instinctual desires.
21
Q
According to Freud, what are the basic human drives? Why is this important?
A
We are driven by contradictory feelings of both love and aggression directed towards the same people. Evidence divided emotions that come from the unconscious.
22
Q
What is the Oedipus complex? Why is this significant in terms of Freud’s religious theories?
A
The Oedipus complex describes the sexual desire for the parent of the opposite gender as a child, see the other parent as their rival. This desire is repressed so it plays a role in the development of the child. This explains how people believe in things based off the neurotic aspects of society.
23
Q
What does Freud argue in Totem and Taboo?
A
Both form civilization. Taboo is anything off limits or forbidden. Totemic rituals seem to reverse the original crime of humanity. Totemic religion rose from guilt. This tells the story of the brothers who killed their father because he ruled all the women. They felt so guilty that in his honor, they made a totem to worship (start of the totem, start of religion).
24
Q
What does Freud argue in The Future of an Illusion? How is this important for understanding Freud’s theories? The intersections of religion and psychoanalysis?
A
Illusion- as we know, religion evolves.
We have to protect ourselves from the natural world so we join a community and are forced to restrain our id impulses. Now have to suppress natural urges (hunger, sex, aggression). These urges intersect with psychoanalysis, religion becomes a defense mechanism.
25
What does Freud argue in Moses and Monotheism?
Claims that Moses wasn't Jewish, was likely a follower of the pharaoh Akhenaten. The Israelites rebelled against Moses' idea of monotheism and killed him. They were burdened by guilt after killing him and adopted a strict form of monotheism. Moses was then reimagined as a Jewish leader who brought them monotheism.
26
Explain critiques on Freud's theory of religion
The problem of theistic and non theistic religions
- Freud's ideas only apply to religions with 1 all-powerful god, does not address monotheistic religions
Position of psychoanalysis has been criticized
The Problem of circularity: reason why religion is neurotic is because it is from unconscious motives
The comparison between neurotics of a person vs. of an entire community may not be valid.
27
Who is Emile Durkheim?
A French sociologist writing during the time for the French Revolution. Focused his theories around society and group religion.
28
What is Durkheim's argument in terms of the relationship between religion and society?
Religion is important and it constitutes sacred products of human nature. Religion is a product of society. Mechanical solidarity (everyone is the same), organic solidarity (we all need each other)
29
According to Durkheim, what is society?
Society is made up of social structures, relationships, and institutions. If one part is moved, everything else in the society will too.
30
For Durkheim, what are the significance of industrialization and the French Revolution on society and religion?
Made people suicidal, increased urbanization.
He believed that people were becoming too independent and could no longer find group connections they needed to thrive.
31
What is anomie? How does this relate to religion?
The idea that everything has been destabilized, people are separated from community. Means more suicide. State of deregulation where traditional roles lost their authority. Increase division of labor can lead to rapid change in society (people are not working with their families anymore).
32
What does Durkheim argue in his book The Division of Labor?
People have been changed and shifted from mechanical society to an organic society.
Mechanical solidarity (pre modern)- Everyone farms for potatoes, solidarity from collective consciousness.
Organic solidarity (modern) Everyone does a different job that contributes to the whole, solidarity from inter-dependedness
33
What does Durkheim argue in his work Suicide?
Suicide rates have increased exponentially as people have shifted from a mechanical society to an organic society. People are still very dependent on each other, but no longer have groups/social ties. Forced to make decisions independently, control their own life.
34
What does Durkheim argue in The Elementary Forms of Religious Life? How does this inform his views on religion and society?
Brings up the sacred and the profane here.
Influence of society on the individual. Connection of society and the sacred which Durkheim believes is the basic religious category. Argued that the dichotomy at the heart of religion is the sacred and the profane. The idea of society is the soul of religion.
35
What are the sacred and the profane?
Profane: Mundane, ordinary, everyday life.
Sacred: Superior, powerful, deserving of respect.
The purpose of sacred things is to unite into a moral community of the church. Sacred things involve large concerns (groups of people) while profane things are day-to-day business of individuals (smaller activities of immediate family and personal life)
36
According to Durkheim, what is a totem? Why is a totem important for society? What is the relationship between totem and ritual?
Totem is the clan itself, represents collective identity. If you are a member of the crow clan, you are also a crow. Totemic beliefs shape everything that is important to a society. The totemic principle is society itself.
37
What is the importance of the cult for Durkheim? What are the cult/cults?
Believes that the cult is important because they are important and include people in a clan. Ceremonies of worship.
The negative cult consists of prohibitions or taboos, certain days for sacred festivals.
The positive cult is when the clan moves into the realm of the sacred (rituals)
38
Why are rituals important for society?
Society cannot function without some type of ceremony. Need ritual to create and shape community.
39
Durkheim argues that society needs to maintain status. How is this achieved? What are challenges to this?
Status in a society is maintained by no one ever leaving the society. It will never be this way because people are always moving around.
40
What is functionalism? Why is it important to Durkheim's theories?
Functionalism is the ideology that societal structures like religion are necessary to maintain societal equilibrium. If one thing changes, then everything is out of balance in society.
41
Explain critiques of Durkheim.
Assumptions
- Claims that religion is nothing more than the expression of social needs
Primitive religion did not believe in the supernatural
- Research shows that this is wrong
Reductionism
- Believes that religion's only purpose is for society
42
How do Durkheim's theories differ from Freud's?
He reached a conclusion before researching it like Freud. Freud focused on innate psychology and the individual approach on the reliance on religion while Durkheim focused on the societal impact and its function in society.
Freud focuses on individual motivations, Durkheim on collective or social motivations
Additionally, Freud saw religion as neurosis and unhealthy, while Durkheim saw it as an innate positive force that brought belonging and collective identity.
43
Karl Marx views history as the history of class struggle. Explain.
He tried to show that throughout history, one economic class is always oppressed by another. People fall into divisions of labor, once private property was introduced, relations of production are changed.
(The maker of the boat claims it as his own property, as does the maker of the net).
44
What are modes of production?
Labor that results in us obtaining our needs like food, clothing, shelter and material desires and demands.
45
For Marx how does production change from an original tribal communism to that type of production that is seen in modern capitalism? Why is this significant? Explain.
Original tribal communism was when people worked for the collective benefit of the community. Ex:
People share a net and a boat with the community. There are no ownership rights to the boat and the net, it is used based on need (to get fish).
Now we work as individuals for our own benefit, creates a society of self-interest where everyone is competing for themselves.
46
For Marx, what is alienation? Why is it important? Explain.
Alienation begins once I think of the product of my labor as an object apart, or something other than the natural expression of my personality for the benefit of community. Simply trading objects/producing capital, not happy with work.
This allows capitalist environments to profit from your work because it could be worth more than you know (Cacao farmers)
Workers are separated from the results of their labor. Workers lose creative ownership over their products and care less about them, more about earning money so they can provide for themselves/family.
47
For Marx, what is modern capitalism? What are the modes of production associated with modern capitalism? Why are there tensions in this system?
There is never a stopping point in capital- in how much money is enough.
There are tensions in this system because workers are paid just enough so they cannot revolt (cannot find any work elsewhere).
People benefitted from modern capitalism never have enough money, continue to exacerbate cycle of capitalism.
48
Explain what Marx is saying when he talks about the idea of profit in capitalist societies? What is profit? How is it different from earlier societal models?
Profit is money. Profit before used to be based on the value of work/goods. People contributed what they could.
49
For Marx, what is surplus value?
The existence of surplus value, in Marx's eyes, means that the core of capitalism is exploitation. The value of the product produced by labor is greater than the actual price of labor as paid out in wages.
50
What is Marx's critique of religion?
Religion is a byproduct of class struggle. It is the opium of the people.
Religion is escapism. People will not try to change their existing world because religion claims that they will be rewarded in the afterlife. Religion as a narcotic.
51
For Marx, what function does religion serve?
Takes more ideals out of the hands of humans and puts them in the hands of god. Absolves people of the responsibility to stand up for themselves. Prevents uprising. Numbs the pain of oppression and exploitation under capitalist societies. It promotes a worldview that justifies the status quo. As people are unable to find fulfillment and meaning in their oppressive work and living conditions under capitalism, they turn to religion.
52
Explain and analyze the block quote (Religious distress is at the same time)
People turn to religion to placate themselves from the harshness of life. Distracts them from their condition but the only way to improve things is to discard religion and capitalism. A form of escapism.
53
What are critiques of Marx's work?
Presented an analysis of Christianity rather than addressing all religions.
Claimed his study as science but no way to study scientifically.
Assumes millions of workers believe they are the oppressed class.
Works under the assumption that there is one small party or singular who makes the decisions without being questioned.
Argues that laborers create the value of their products, capitalism shows that industry profit is almost just about the same.
54
What is commodity fetishism? And, how does Macklemore's song and music video "Wings" illustrate this?
Commodities are fetishes that prevent people from seeing the truth about economics and society- that one class of people is exploiting the other. When we assign value to material objects and that helps us with how we feel about them.
Commodity fetishism is the value of a product with relation to the social nature of consumers instead of the physical nature of the product
In the video, he got nike airs because they were cool and popular so wearing them made him feel cool and popular but as soon as society stopped caring, he stopped feeling good about himself
Assigned value to himself based on the value of his stuff in society
Concept of verstehen- Human behavior must be understood through the prism of people reacting NOT to their direct environment but rather to the meaning that their environment holds for them.
55
Weber viewed bureaucracy as an essential to industrial capitalism, but noted that the rationality of bureaucratic workplaces often turn us into "specialists without spirit, sensualists without heart". How did the excerpt we watched from "Office Space" illustrate this?
Our society continues toward a computerized, individualized, and increasingly narcissistic one, that people will become less human. Morality will become secondary and emotions will become suppressed, maybe even irrelevant.
56
For Weber, what ate "ideal types"? Why are they important? Explain.
A measuring stick that captures the most rational and essential components of any social thing. Ideal types can be based on historical events, like the spirit of capitalism or they can be more classificatory and constructed from more logical grounds. Ideal-types are rarely found in their pure form in real life. Too many things can cause the actual event or thing to deviate from its most essential characteristics.
A priest's charisma is largely a function of his position and official capacity.
Some of his famous ideal types are bureaucracy, social class, and the Protestant Ethic.
57
What is Weber's type of disenchantment?
As the world becomes increasingly rational, it is less magical. Removing magic means more science and rationality and capitalism is an example of what comes from that.
58
For Weber, what are "values"? Why is this important? Explain.
He believes that values are very different from facts. Thus, they should be kept out of the study of social sciences because they are not scientific.
They motivate us to act in certain ways and are subjective. They represent personal beliefs, preferences, and ethical principles that guide us and our behavior.
59
What is Weber's theory in The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism?
He noticed that western capitalism developed in certain European countries where Protestantism was popular. Capitalism was created by Calvinist ideas about the necessity of hard work to go to heaven. The spirit of capitalism can be traced to Calvinists who engaged in ascetic practices to gain or reflect signs of salvation. Weber argues that religion acted as a catalyst in the development of capitalism. The routinization of charisma occurs as a religious community grows and the organizational structure has to meet the needs of the community. The result of the doctrine of predestination-> increased anxiety over one's fate. Brough the democratization of vocation/labor. Meaning, all work (if hard work) could be done for the glory of god.
60
Why is The Protestant Ethic an important theory? How does it differ from earlier theories?
Theory of Calvinists
Didn't have guidance about what would get them to heaven
Decided that working hard and saving money would do it (work hard in this life so you can be rewarded in the afterlife)
Differs from other theories because it focuses on a major social effect of religion rather than only its causes. This Protestant work ethic is directly associated with the rise of a capitalistic society.
61
Eliade was not a reductionist, as previous theorists. Explain.
Eliade understood that religion on its own could not be reduced to one thing, it had to be its own area of study. Many earlier theorists reduced religion to a specific lens, either through psychological desires (Freud), a social mechanism (Durkheim) or a product of economic structures (Marx). Instead focused on the sacred.
62
Eliade declared that India had a "decisive impact" on his life. Why? What three things did he discover there?
Sacramental experience- discovered that symbols are the key to any truly spiritual life.
A lot could be learned from archaic religion in India's countryside.
The three things he discovered were:
1. Importance of lived religious experience: Discovered the significance of going beyond just studying religious texts and doctrines.
2. Cyclical time and eternal return: Contrasts with the linear time of the west, focuses on everything as a living and breathing, constant time. Timelessness.
3. The power of symbols and myths: Symbols help bridge the gap between the divine and the human, help to understand the sacred.
63
For Eliade, what is "archaic religion"?
Transitional societies that still live in traditional, non-urbanized, non-industrialized sense.
Emphasis on ritual, hierephonies, cyclical time, myth
64
Two of Eliade's books, Patterns in Comparative Religion and The Myth of the Eternal Return, were important for his later studies. What themes did each of these two books explore?
Patterns in comparative religion
- Explored roles of myths and symbols
- Concepts of history and sacred time
Myth of eternal return
- Religious people are layaway trying to get to original time and space
- Secular
- People who aren't religious have anxiety
- Time is not linear, it is a cycle-> religious people always try to return to sacred times
65
Eliade believes that religion is an independent variable. How does he explain a religious phenomena?
It is independent of other ideas. Focus on the sacred experience of the ritual.
66
What are the two "separate angles of vision" that should be used to explain religion?
Important to study history of religion AND phenomenology, how it currently presents itself.
Combined study of lived experience and cultural background (Looking at the history of group to explain and understand their current practices)
67
What is phenomenology? Why is it important to Eliade's theories?
Phenomenology is a specific approach that focuses on understanding the lived experiences of religious individuals within their own cultural context. Focus on the sacred experience, understanding religious meaning, non-reductionist approach.
He analyzed myths not as stories but as expressions of a culture's attempt to understand the cosmos and humanity's place within it. He interpreted rituals and symbols in the context of culture and history.
68
Why did Eliade argue that comparative religion is the best approach to understanding religion? What is a critique of comparative study?
"He who knows one, knows none"
Without a comparison, there is no real science.
Critique is that these can never be the same, societal trends and thinking can change to the point that you cannot declare two religions of different points as similar.
69
According to Pals, Eliade tends to explore the same main themes in all of his writings. What are the three main thematic areas?
- Concept of religion
- Understanding symbolism and myth
- Explanation of time and history
70
Explain Eliade's sacred and profane structures. How does this explain his key concept of religion? How does the idea of "archaic humanity" fit into this?
Many members of modern society see their world as entirely existing in the profane, but still experience subconscious permeations of the sacred in their memories and imagination, as if we are nostalgic for it. This drives Eliade to explore religion through phenomenology in order to understand people's experiences within the sacred.
Eliade believed that early societies were far more preoccupied with the sacred than modern societies. Their entire worldview and way of life revolved around understanding and interacting with the sacred realm. His sacred-profane structures and the concept of archaic humanity offer a way to understand how religion functioned in pre-modern societies. It wasn't just about belief, but a way of life focused on connecting with the sacred and imbuing the ordinary world with its power and meaning. This perspective differs from reductionist views that saw religion as a mere byproduct of social forces or psychological needs. Instead, Eliade emphasizes the sacred as a core human experience that religion helps us navigate and understand.
71
How does Eliade's explanation of the sacred and the profane differ from Durkheim's?
Durkheim saw sacred and symbolism as important of the clan society, while Eliade sees it as supernatural worship. Eliade's is experience-based and universal, while Durkheim's focus is on its social function and cohesion, creating a sense of collective effervescence.
72
How is Eliade's work aligned with Tyler and Frazer's?
Religion started as belief in the supernatural and invested in archaic people, people who lived long ago and people who live traditionally.
We are seeing that Eliade, along with Tyler and Frazer, believes that ritual and myth are keystones of archaic religions.
73
What does Eliade think is the core of all emotional religion? Who else had these ideas?
Numinous (spirit)
It has a mysterious temendum (overwhelming experience, feeling a huge range of emotions)
Rudolf Otto
The core is the sacred, spirit.
74
What similarities does Eliade have with Rudolph Otto?
They both believe that interaction with the sacred is like brushing with a reality unlike all others known. Non-reductionist approach, focuses on the experience of the sacred.
75
Why does Eliade think that the sacred penetrates and dictates all aspects of life?
Ancient cultures followed patterns set by gods. Nordic ships were modeled after the ship that carried the dead. Many societies had chariots modeled after their sun god's chariot.
76
What is the axis mundi? Why is it important?
Central pillar that the whole world revolves around. In a culture, it is the center of everything, connection between heaven and earth.
Examples like trees, pillars, staircases, mountains. Reflecting humanity's attempt to understand the cosmos.
77
What is imago mundi? Why is it significant?
Mirror image of the entire world as it was first created by divine action. It must be an accurate representation of god's will and how people want to live in the realm of the gods. Utopia in the past tense. Sacred cosmology.
78
What does Eliade’s work The Myth of the Eternal Return explore? Why was this work significant? Explain.
Explores people's desires to return to the time from creation, to be as close to god's work as possible. Important because many archaic rituals are centered around creation.
79
According to Eliade, what is the "terror of history"? Why is it important?
The feeling of being trapped by a linear, profane time and the reason people have rituals. People desire meaning from their lives and history can't provide that. Seeing history as cyclical rather than linear can give it more perceived meaning and value.
79
What is Eliade’s theory of in illo tempore? Why is it significant?
"In that time"
We try to go back to the beginning as an attempt to restore the mythical, primordial or pure time that existed during the creation of the cosmos
80
How does Judaism change the pattern that Eliade saw in his earlier studies? Meaning, how does Judaism alter Eliade's earlier equation of archaic religion?
Judaism had the belief that the sacred can be found in history and outside of it. People were part of the story now so no longer need focus on divine rebirth or renewal. Focuses on liner time while being concerned with the sacred.
81
Explain the shift towards a desacralized universe for Eliade. How did it happen? Explain
Judaism and christianity moved away from rebirth and focused on storytelling across fixed points in history. Loss of symbols and ritual, decline of traditional religious belief.
82
For Eliade, what are these secular creeds, which he understands as “historicism”? Why is this important?
Acceptance of the profane and rejection of all sacred so recognition of only the ordinary and profane
very popular in last 3 centuries
acceptance of linear historical timeline leads to the terrible anxiety of modern society and lack of meaning
Examples: Nationalism, communism, capitalism
83
Review the critiques of Eliade
refuses to accept that religion can be created from outside source
tried to compare cultures all over the world
he may have been a christian theologian in disguise = very biased
contradictions when he says the symbols themselves don’t matter when the connection does
84
What are the key themes that are raised in "In the Light of Reverence"?
- Issue of how to decide whose beliefs are prioritized
- How to deal with religion/sacredness on public land
- What is the definition of religion? Which religions does the Constitution protect? Should some religions have different rights than others?
85
How is Geertz's approach different from the functionalists and reductionists?
Geertz rejects functionalist reductionism as an explanation of religion and misleading account of any cultural system.
Insists that general reduction of all religions to product of hidden neurosis, social need, or economic conflict can claim no more credibility than any other theory.
He is highlighting the need to understand culture on its own terms, not just through the lens of external factors.
86
What is Geert's definition of religion? How does this intersect with culture?
Religion as a cultural system, or a system of symbols with 5 elements.
A system of systems which acts to establish powerful, pervasive, and long-lasting moods and motivations in men by formulating conceptions of a general order of existence and clothing these conceptions with such an aura of factuality that the moods and motivations seem uniquely realistic.
People in a church practicing together makes them believe in it. Emphasizes symbols that seem intensely and wholly real and factual
Example-> Jesus rising from the dead
These symbols create and reinforce a specific worldview-> how you see your world
- Symbols
- Create and reinforce a specific worldview
- Create values, motivation, ideals by creating order and existence
- Make ideas seem factual
87
Explain Geert's use of culture rather than society for his study?
Influenced by boas, Kroeber, and Benedict
Believed that anthropology must be connected to ethnography
Embraced American view that the goal of anthropologists' inquiries are to study cultures, not societies.
88
What is symbolic anthropology?
To study symbols of a culture to better understand the culture of a particular society.
89
What is "thick description"? How does it differ from previous approaches we have encountered? Why is it important?
A research strategy that combines detailed description of cultural activity with analysis of the layers of deep cultural meaning in which those activities are embedded.
90
What is a "shared context of meaning" for Geertz?
Allows for the intentions behind symbols to be understood by others.
Like a group of friends sharing a joke- the humor relies on a shared context of meaning- they all understand the reference, the cultural nuances, and the double meaning of the words.
91
According to Pals' synopsis, what does Geertz argue in his famed article "Religion as a Cultural System"? Explain.
- Argues that religion should be studied as a symbolic system in how people see the world and live their lives.
- Believed religion gave people emotions and motivation
- Religion provides explanation of the world
- Both worldview and ethos
92
What does Geertz mean by "rationalized religion"?
Judaism, confucianism, and hinduism only focus on few universal spiritual principles.
93
How does Pals present the Weberian reading into Geertz’s work? What are the parallels?
introduces the name of the religion “bali” by saying that anything who looks at it with weber’s theory will see interesting things
fits into weber’s category of traditional religion
it has not been changed by any rationalized world religion after centuries
94
What does Geertz point to as an issue to traditional religion? Or the effect that modernity has on religion?
transitional religion can be affected by modern develops that also weaken religious moods and motivations
people are more intimidated and less moved by presence of gods than by indirect feel of god being there
95
What are the critiques of Geertz?
methods of interpretive anthropology
thick description lack scientific structure of anthro
theory of interpretation - unclear/does not even want to discuss the world view of religion although he kept reminding the reader about religion as both a worldview and ethos
96
Reflecting on Circle of Life and Miriam’s Daughter’s Celebrate, for example, what role does ritual play?
miriam
jewish feminists create new rituals
passover seder and a baby
women speak about their lives and traditional jewish rituals
they were excluded so had their own rituals to create a sense of community within the group of women
circle of life
in Japan, the living pray daily for 33 years after their family member dies in order to send them to heaven
97
Reflecting on various texts and films from the class, how and why do rituals adapt?
based on societal changes – what is socially acceptable
to create space for more people
based on logistics, availability – same religion in different places might use different foods in their rituals, for example, based on what they can readily grow
98
What is the relationship between gender and religion?
religion plays a big role in presenting patriarchy as inevitable
99
According to our article on ‘Gender and Religion’, what are the tasks of feminist scholars?
seek to accomplish both negative and positive task
responding/ending patriarchy they see in religion
gender equality
100
What have been the results of the gendering of religion?
inequality and unhappiness
patriarchy
different roles
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How has religion impacted gender relations? And, how has it been impacted by gender relations?
power has circulated towards men and traditional roles
tense relations between genders of opposing arguments
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What do we learn about gender and “western” religions through our reading of Genesis I & II?
one says that women is created from man
the other says they were created at same time
because of view here, only the one where the women came from man is circulated
therefore women viewed as inferior
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What is the relationship between religion and nature?
god created nature
should humans be allowed to exploit it for their benefit
does god want them to protect nature?
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What is the relationship between America’s conservation movement and religion? Consider John Muir, the Social Gospel Movement, Romanticism, and the tension between dominion vs. stewardship of the earth.
romanticize nature
spirituality and nature = religion
people’s responsibility to protect nature
Dominion over nature: we have power over nature, we just need to make sure we use it efficiently.
Stewardship: We are alive because of the earth, we must conserve and protect it
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Why does Bron Taylor make the case that surfing is religion (NRM)? What is the soul surfing movement?
Has all the parts to a religion. Surfing experience connects surfers with the ocean and nature, they feel one with "Mother Ocean".
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According to Taylor, what elements of religion are parts of surf culture?
Polynesian cultural values
System of rituals
Prophetic figures spreading ideas
Distinct language elements
Symbolic elements
Unique lifestyle characteristics
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According to Taylor, what elements from the 1960s influenced the emergence of surfing as a religion?
- Surf media
- New religious and political currents
- Psychedelic age
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How were images of Eden and surfing conflated?
Portrayed as mystical, ecstatic, nature-bonding experience
About the garden of eden, plus waves, minus serpent
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What is the relationship between surfing, environmentalism and ritual?
Surfing's most important ritual is environmental activism and keep the environment neat and clean
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What is a New Religious Movement (NRM)? What are the characteristics of these movements? How is an NRM different from established religion?
'New religious movement' is the label generally used today by scholars in Europe and America to designate a religious group that has either arrived in the West after 1950, and so is new to Westerners, or that has originated in the West since that time. Japan listed new religious movements as post 1970.
Is founded by a charismatic leader who remains the focus of the followers normally claims a new revelation from God demands a high level of conformity by its members
Is viewed with extreme suspicion by established religious communities
Is exclusive in membership/distances itself from the concerns of larger society
Addresses contemporary social ills, claims to be the bearer of religious truth
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How does Jonestown/People's Temple fit into the discussion of NRMs?
The tragedy of Jonestown serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of NRMs led by charismatic and manipulative figures. However, it's important to remember that NRMs are a diverse group, and not all pose a threat. Critical analysis and understanding the motivations of both leaders and followers can help us to have a more nuanced discussion about NRMs in society.
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Who was Jim Jones and what was his People's Temple?
Jim Jones was the leader of the People's Temple. Jim Jones had a poor upbringing and founded the People's Temple in Indiana, then California, then Guyana. He was a vocal proponent of race integration. A majority of the church congregation was Black. He demanded church dues and inflicted various modes of sexual abuse. Eventually, People's Temple ended in a 'mass suicide' through cyanide poisoning.
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What does Waco Rules of Engagement force us to think about in terms of religion and its power?
It highlights the potential for both good and evil within religious movements, the challenges of balancing religious freedom with other societal concerns, and the importance of fostering tolerance and understanding when dealing with diverse religious beliefs.
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Do you think religion was taken seriously in dealing with the Branch Davidians? Why or why not?
While there were initial attempts to engage with the Branch Davidians on a religious level, the focus ultimately shifted towards the criminal aspects of the situation. Whether a deeper understanding of their religious beliefs could have led to a different outcome remains debatable. The events at Waco highlight the complexities of dealing with religious groups suspected of criminal activity and the challenges of balancing law enforcement with respect for religious freedom.
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How is religion understood or portrayed in the documentary on Waco?
It portrays religion as a powerful force in the lives of the Branch Davidians. It highlights the importance of considering religious beliefs when dealing with such situations but also raises questions about the potential for manipulation within religious groups.
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Which theorists best explain New Religious Movements?
Emile Durkheim: Concept of functionalism. Saw religion as serving a social function, providing meaning, solidarity, and social control.
Max Weber: Focus on charismatic authority. Charismatic leaders can inspire strong devotion and loyalty in their followers, shaping the movement's direction and practices.
Geertz: Focus on interpreting symbols and shared context of meaning, like how NRMs create meaning and identity for their members.
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What are the similarities and differences between Waco's Branch Davidians and Jonestown's People's Temple?
Both had charismatic leadership, grew in power due to isolation and control, and had violent endings. The theological roots, use of violence, and government interactions were different, as well as motivations of followers.
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What do New Religious Movements force us to consider in terms of the way that we understand religion?
NRMS highlight the vast diversity of religious experiences, demonstrating that religion is not static and can take on many forms.
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What/Who is the Flying Spaghetti Monster?
The deity of a religion-like parody called Pastafarianism. First appeared in a 2005 letter from Bobby Henderson to the Kansas State Board of Ed protesting the teaching of intelligent design in public schools. Henderson argued that if intelligent design deserved a place in the curriculum, then so did Pastafarianism. Meant to be a satire of religious creation myths and the concept of intelligent design. In some cases, Pastafarians have successfully changed religious discrimination laws to wear colanders on their heads in official photos. Can be seen as a commentary on the separation of church and state and the importance of critical thinking in the face of religious dogma.
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What role does the Flying Spaghetti Monster play according to Van Horn and Johnston?
Plays a significant role in the concept of the emergent nontraditional religious sphere. Blurs the lines between religion, parody, and social commentary. Challenges traditional definitions of religion and highlights the emergence of new, non-traditional ways of engaging with spirituality.
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Why is a subversive figure important in religion? What role does it play? Why do Johnston and Van Horn introduce this theory of Bhaktin?
A subversive figure isa character or concept that challenges or critiques established religious authority, doctrines, or practices. Questions power. Bakhtin's concept of the carnivalesque refers to a festive atmosphere were social hierarchies are temporarily suspended, and laughter is used to challenge authority and norms. Central to the carnivalesque is the trickster figure- a playful and disruptive character who exposes flaws and challenges the powerful through wit, satire, and mockery. Johnston and Van Horn see the Flying Spaghetti Monster as a contemporary trickster figure in the religious sphere. Through humor and parody, it challenges traditional religious authority and encourages a more playful and critical approach to faith.
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What is Intelligent Design? How does it differ from creation theories? Evolution?
Intelligent design is the idea that the forms of life on earth were too complex to have evolved on their own through random mutations. It supposes that there is instead an intelligent being who has to have created all the different forms of life as they exist today. It differs from creationism as it doesn't specify that god is the one who created the various forms of life. This is potentially purposeful. It is also argued to be a science while creationism is generally considered to be a pushing forth of religion. It clashes directly with evolution as evolution believes that life came about spontaneously and evolved to become more and more complex over millions of years of time.
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Why was the teaching of Intelligent Design controversial in Dover? How was the case ultimately resolved and why?
Many believed that intelligent design was promoting religion, which would go against the 1st amendment's Establishment Clause. The judge ruled that intelligent design was in fact promoting religion as it was a theory that was based in religion.
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What does the teaching of Intelligent Design reveal about the limits of pluralism?
It leads us to question the complexities between church and state.
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