A Sociological Perspective on Religion The Human Species What is the most basic way to begin thinking about religion as a form of human organization?
What biological, psychological and social/cultural characteristics of humans are important to understanding religion?
What are the basic, orienting premises of the sociological perspective?
The Social Construction of Religion Religion is product of the social construction of ultimate transcendence. Transcendence refers to structural principles or relations of a level lying above or outside the level of structure taken as the point of reference Transcendence is constructed on multiple levels, and humans are accustomed to inhabiting realities on several different levels simultaneously. Important dimensions of social and cultural organization on multiple levels include time, space, and logic. In the limiting case transcendence may be constructed in the form of a separate realm, domain, order, level, plane, sphere. In these cases, the transcendent realm is qualitatively different from the everyday, secular world. The social construction of a transcendent realm increases order and reduces disorder
The social and cultural construction of transcendent order is the construction of power relationships at the highest level. That power can be used in a variety of ways to reflect different interests within groups. The Social Construction of Religious Organization The elements involved in the social construction of religious organization transcendent realm are not unique to religion. They are the same elements involved in the construction of social life generally but are configured differently. The central elements are narrative, ritual, and leadership/organization Mythic Narratives Recount the operation of transcendent forces in primordial times that created original order and shaped the everyday world as it presently exists. Recount the sources of current disorder being experienced in the secular world. Describe the transcendent realm’s qualitatively different attributes and logic Myths are diverse by time, culture, location within the social order. Provide the ultimate truths and foundational assumptions about the nature of the world and of humankind (as understood in specific times and places) that guide and authorize actions. Provide ultimate conceptions of time (eternity), space (creation/universe), and logic (laws/will of the gods). Orient human expectations by describing the relationship between human and transcendent time (past, present, future), space (separation, connection, interpenetration), logic (human rules, divine laws). Describe the degree of continuity/discontinuity between transcendent and secular realms. Establish transcendentally authorized power relationships Ritual Religious rituals are closely scripted, dramatically organized, and transcendentally authorized processes through which the transcendent realm and transcendent power can be accessed. Create means through which group membership and boundaries are established. Create means through which disorder being experienced can be replaced with order. Create means through which the boundaries of the religious community can be established and through which individuals can align themselves with the community. Create means through which independent, transcendent power can be experienced (prayer, pilgrimage, out of body experiences, apparitions, glossolalia, channeling, near death experiences, apparitions, healing, conversion) Create transcendent power as a unique form of power (irresistible, inexorable, irreversible). Reorient individual understanding, commitment, priorities Organization and Leadership Religious organizations are those that control access to the transcendent realm and transcendent power. Religious leaders are those who mediate relationships with the transcendent. Create communities of individuals and groups in similar social locations Create occasions at which myth and ritual are connected Orient group activities to the type and degree of religious authorization consistent with the group’s and group members’ social location Orient the religious group to the major societal institutions Create a form of leadership that is consistent with the type of religious authorization and the group’s relationship with major institutions.
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