Religion in societies
set of beliefs concerning what we would call the soul. notions about life after death. thoughts, actions, and feelings based on belief in the existence of spirit beings and supranormal forces.
Social functions of religion
- explaining the world
- solace, healing, and emotional release
- social cohesion
- social control
- conflict resolution
- intensifying group solidarity
Spirit beings and forces
1) Animism and animatism
- existence of souls; all things endowed with spirit form or essence.
2) Gods and heros
- Polytheists and monotheists
3) Ancestors, ghosts, and demons
4) Mana, Totems, and Taboos
Ancestor worship
Belief in the importance of ancestors as they affect the lives of their survivors, protecting their descendants.
Mana
a force, power, or essence that endows people, animals, other living things, and possibly inanimate objects with special qualities or powers.
Totemism
Belief system in which people believe that they are descendants of spirt beings.
Religous practioners
- Mediums, Diviners, and healers
- Shamans, Priests, and priestess
Shaman
a part-time religous specialist who is thought to have supernatural powers by virtue of birth, training, or inspiration.
Wicca
Modern-day movement of witches and pagans.
Religous practice
- Sacred and secular rituals
- Prayers and sacrifice
- Rites of passage
- puberty rites; funerary rites
- healing, curing, spirit possession
- magic and witchcraft
Imitative magic
magic that operates on the principle of “like causes like”.
Contagious magic
magic that operates on the principle that positive and negative qualities can be transferred through proximity or contact.
