SOC100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 20: W. Somerset Maugham, Christian Fundamentalism, Christian Symbolism
13 May 2016
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Religion a set of organized beliefs about the supernatural or the spiritual world and the associated ceremonies that guide people"s behaviour. Faith- a belief system based on conviction that does not require objective evidence to substantiate its claims. Theology- study of the nature of god and the specific religious beliefs. Animism: belief that all things (plants, animals, and people) possess a spirit. Theism: belief in the existence of higher beings (gods) Polytheism: belief in many gods which, depending on the religion, might be equal in status, or ranked. Non theistic religion belief system based on principles of truths rather than gods. Agnosticism: belief that it is not possible to know is a god or gods exist. Atheism: denial of any supernatural beings or forces. Civil (secular) religion: sacred symbols integrated into a religiously pluralistic society. Belief that a return to past practices is necessary to confront challenges that contemporary society faces . An increase in religious fundamentalism in recent decades.
