Religion and beliefs system

Anthropologists define religion as a set of attitudes, beliefs, and practices, pertaining to suprrnatural
beings and forces.

Functions of religion
Sociological perpectives aim to look into thr roles, issues, problem, and purposes that religion may
serve to people and society.

Major sociological theories

-functionalism
-conflict theory
-symbolic interactionism

Functionalism
Religion serves several functions for societu. These include first giving meaning and purposr to life.
Second, reinforcing social unity and stability. Third, setving as an agent of social control of behavior.
Fourth, promoting physical and psychological well-being, and lastly, motivating people to work for
positive social change.

Conflict theory
Religion reinforces and promotes social inequality and social conflict. It hrlps convience the poor to
accept their lot in life. And it leads to hostility and violence motivated by religious differences.

Symbolic traditonism
This perspective focuseson the ways in which individuals interpret their religious experiences. It
emphasizes that beliefs and practices are not sacred unless people regard them as such. Once they
areregarded as sacred, they take on special significance and give meaning to peoples lives.

Religious patterns
Animism
According to kurtz (2007). All religions contains cosmogenies stories and beliefs on how the world
was created and how it actually started. In ancient times smaller societies have this beliefs of the
spirits, which are apparations believed to be dwelling on earth with human race.

Polytheism
Was establish during ancient periods. Polytheism is rooted in teo eords: poly which means many and
theism which means god. Have a set of leaders who are goverened by hierarchy.
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Monotheism
If you are a christian or a muslim you are considered as monotheism.monotheism
strongly believed in one god. Which is accountable for all things happening in the
world including the creation of the world and existence.

Religious Practices
Shaman
Is also known as a community healer. Involved in other non-religious activities in his
community

Sorcerer and a witch

Poorly regarded in their societies due to the perceivied malevolence that they inflict
on individuals. They have very low social and econimic status and they are often
ostracized by members of their communities.

Medium
Well favored by member of his/her community as he/she involved in healing rituals
while in a possessed trance.

Priest Tends
A male whose sole preoccupation is to officiate religious ceremonies and rituals. A
highly regarded community member

Religious Activity

Magic
Manipulation of supernatural forces for the purpose of intervening in a wide range of
human activities and natural events.

Divination
Gain from the divine practical answers for any concern that may range from war
plans to marriage choices.

Sorcery and witchcraft

Sorcerers inflicts harm on individuals by the use of materials such as dolls, wands,
or medicine.
Witchcraft promotes the same effect. Witchcraft only uses emotions and words of
the practioner to impact its victims.

Prayer, feasts and sacrifices

Promote a direct interaction with a divine. Communicate their thoughts and desires
to the supernatural through uttered requests (prayer), celebration( feast), and
gift(sacrifices).