Lesson 806 of 1524
Religion
Sociological terms for different kinds of religious organizations are, in order of decreasing influence in society, ecclesia, denomination, sect, and cult.
Practice this chapterSociological terms for different kinds of religious organizations are, in order of decreasing influence in society, ecclesia, denomination, sect, and cult. Religion describes the beliefs, values, and practices related to sacred or spiritual concerns.
Social theorist Émile Durkheim defined religion as a “unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things” (1915). Max Weber believed religion could be a force for social change.
religion — a system of beliefs, values, and practices concerning what a person holds to be sacred or spiritually significant. denomination — a large, mainstream religion that is not sponsored by the state. ecclesia — a religion that is considered the state religion. sect — a small, new offshoot of a denomination.
Worked example
What does “religion” mean in Religion?
- 1Use the wording this chapter gives for religion.
- 2The book says: a system of beliefs, values, and practices concerning what a person holds to be sacred or spiritually significant.
- 3Do not use the meaning of denomination. That term means a large, mainstream religion that is not sponsored by the state.
Result: a system of beliefs, values, and practices concerning what a person holds to be sacred or spiritually significant
Why. That is the meaning this chapter gives for religion.
Do not swap religion and denomination. religion means a system of beliefs, values, and practices concerning what a person holds to be sacred or spiritually significant. denomination means a large, mainstream religion that is not sponsored by the state.
Practice margin
This chapter
A fresh set from this chapter only. Choose 10 or 20. Multiple choice and fill-in, with no repeat inside the set.