Religion &
Society
Religion
Religious beliefs of one sort or another are present in every known society,
but their variety seems to be endless. Religious institutions are a society’s
important system of beliefs and practices that are standardized and
formulated and widely shared and viewed as necessary and true. Religion
can take many forms and directions.
Definition of Religion
1. Religion is a “unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred
things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden”. (Durkheim)
2. “Religion as we understand the term, implies a relationship not merely
between man and man but also between man and some higher
power”. (Maclver and Page)
Concepts of Religion
Beliefs
Religious beliefs focus on sacred things, their origin, nature, and their
importance to human life.
A belief is an idea that cannot be proven or demonstrated scientifically
but is maintained through rituals and customs followed by society.
Example: The belief in Animism (common among the Kora or Munda
tribes), where it is believed that every natural object possesses a soul
Society
Religion
Religious beliefs of one sort or another are present in every known society,
but their variety seems to be endless. Religious institutions are a society’s
important system of beliefs and practices that are standardized and
formulated and widely shared and viewed as necessary and true. Religion
can take many forms and directions.
Definition of Religion
1. Religion is a “unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred
things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden”. (Durkheim)
2. “Religion as we understand the term, implies a relationship not merely
between man and man but also between man and some higher
power”. (Maclver and Page)
Concepts of Religion
Beliefs
Religious beliefs focus on sacred things, their origin, nature, and their
importance to human life.
A belief is an idea that cannot be proven or demonstrated scientifically
but is maintained through rituals and customs followed by society.
Example: The belief in Animism (common among the Kora or Munda
tribes), where it is believed that every natural object possesses a soul
