SOC101Y1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 21: Protestant Work Ethic, Verstehen, Public Culture
Document Summary
Historically, religion: offered answers to most of life"s questions (truth/false, right/wrong, imbued every aspect of human social life with meaning (birth, death, religious beliefs so common that most societies had no word for religion. Religion is : structured system of beliefs, guidelines, binding, an explanations for things that we cant explain, a way of life, self discipline, worship of something of higher power, man-made, hope, offers moral standards. Many different meanings - no consensus on de nitions. Substantive de nitions- focus on what religion is: to be religious is to believe in something, to be religious entails actions, to be religious involves emotions, religion is a social phenomenon. Functional de nitions - focus on what religion does: provides meaning and purpose to life, promotes social cohesion and a sense of belonging. National anthem includes the line god keep our land glorious and free . Religious authority has declined in canada- governs fewer aspects of life than it used to.
