In this tutorial, you will learn
about the religious experience in general
and some of its variations around the world. The focus will be on the
types of religious beliefs and religious leaders, especially in small-scale
societies. An exploration of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, or any
other major religion is beyond the scope of this tutorial. The approach
taken is that of cultural relativity--religious practices or beliefs are not
evaluated in terms of their "correctness" or
"sophistication" but, rather, in terms of
their function within the societies that have
them.
What is Religion?
A religion is a system of beliefs usually involving the worship of supernatural forces or beings. Religious beliefs provide shape and meaning to one's perception of the universe. In other words, they provide a sense of order in what might otherwise be seen as a chaotic existence. Religions also provide understanding and meaning for inexplicable events such as a loved one being killed in an earthquake or some other unpredictable force of nature. For most religious people, their beliefs about the supernatural are at the very core of their world views.
Rituals in Religion
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Symbolic
objects used |
The
performance of rituals
is an integral part of all religions. Rituals are stylized and usually repetitive acts that take place at a set time
and location. They almost always involve the use of symbolic objects,
words, and actions. For example, going to church on Sunday is a common
religious ritual for Christians around the world. It usually requires
the wearing of somewhat different clothing and interacting with others in a
particular manner in a sacred location. At the heart of this experience
is a sequence of traditional ritual acts that symbolically represent aspects
of the life, teachings, and death of Jesus.
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Maya Temple in
Guatemala |
Most religious rituals are performed in special places and under special conditions, such as in a dedicated temple or at a sacred spot. This is an intentional separation between the secular and the sacred. By being removed from the ordinary world, the sacred acts are enhanced for the believers. The separation makes the rituals more effective. Only allowing initiated people to participate in religious rituals also can have the same effect.
Religious ritual reinforces the basic tenets of religion. For instance, the "partaking of the host" in the Catholic mass is a symbolic participation in the "last supper" of Jesus and, by extension, an affirmation of the acceptance of his teachings. Rituals are often charged with high emotions. The exalted feelings people experience during rituals provide positive reinforcement for continuing them. When rituals make people "feel good", they reinforce the belief that their religion is the "correct" one.
Non-Religious Rituals
Not all rituals are religious. Brushing your teeth every morning in the same place and in the same way is a non-religious ritual. Like religious rituals, it also can make you "feel good", which reinforces your continuance of the practice. However, it rarely involves a belief in supernatural beings or forces.
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| Children
displaying their national flag--a powerful secular symbolic object |
Political
ideologies and movements often have rituals that can be profoundly important
for people, especially when they become the focus of nationalism.
Communism and extreme nationalist movements over the last century essentially became secular
religions in some countries. They had their rituals, essentially
sacred objects, and beliefs that provided meaning and order for millions of
people. Even in democratic nations that are more international in their
focus, there are often symbolic political objects and rituals connected with
them. An example in the United States is the pledge of allegiance to the
American flag in schools and at public meetings. The flag takes on a
powerful meaning for which people have given up their lives despite the fact that it is only a piece of cloth with
different portions dyed red, white, or blue.
Psychological and Social
Functions of Religion
Religions fulfill psychological needs. They help us confront and explain death. They help relieve our fears and anxieties about the unknown. Supernatural powers and beings may be appealed to or manipulated by people in times of crisis, as for example in praying to win a battle or survive a fierce storm. Religions help ease the stress during personal life crises such as birth, marriage, serious illness, and death. It is not a coincidence that in most societies the "rites of passage" that are performed to help people adjust to these often highly emotional transitions are strongly religious. We also get psychological relief from "divinely given" moral codes. They lift some of the burden of decision making from our shoulders in difficult situations because they tell us what is right and wrong. Knowing what to do without having to think deeply about it provides tremendous psychological relief.
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| Formal North
American Church wedding (religious ritual is central to this rite of passage) |
Religions also fulfill
social needs. They can be powerful, dynamic forces in society. By
reinforcing group norms
, they help bring about social
homogeneity. They can provide a basis for common purpose and values that
can help maintain social solidarity. A uniformity of beliefs helps bind
people together and reinforces group identity.
In most societies,
religions play an important role in social control by defining what is right
and wrong behavior. If individuals do the right things in life, they may
earn the approval of the gods. If they do the wrong things, they may
suffer supernatural retribution. For instance, the most sacred text of
Islam, the Koran
, not only provides detailed lists of specific kinds of
crimes and appropriate earthly punishments, but
it also gives descriptions of how to do mundane
tasks such as eating specific kinds of food.
The sacred texts of religions usually set precedents for proper behavior in common situations. The Judeo-Christian Bible stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Able, Noah, Job, Moses, Solomon, and even Jesus provide examples of how virtuous people should lead their lives. It does not matter whether the sacred stories or myths of a religion actually occurred in every detail--they are still illustrative of correct thought and behavior.