HUMA 1865 Chapter 1: HUMA 1865 readings term 1
13 Sep 2018
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Document Summary
Religions can be dynamic in their effects, bringing deep changes in individuals and societies, for good or ill. Central definition of religion means to ultimate transformation relational tying back its transformational potential and its political dimensions. 19th/20th century, scientific materialism, explains that religion can be found in every culture around the world, it is supernatural and invented by humans. Marx argued that a culture"s religion as well as all other aspects of its social structure, springs from its economic framework. Religion"s origins lie in the longings of the oppressed. Not only do religions pacify people, they may themselves become tools of oppression. They are useful both for society and individuals. Religions do things for us such as helping us to define ourselves and making the world and life comprehensible to us. Sociology, humans cannot live without organized social structures, religion is a glue that holds a society together. Teaching us love, compassion, altruism, justice, discipline, creating harmony.
