W5.2 April 5 (Fri) Chaebhin Jeong정채빈
1. Summary
Sociology of religion is a discipline that analyzes religion using the tools and methods of sociology. However, it is distinct from the philosophy of religion in that it is not intended to evaluate the validity of religious beliefs. In classical sociology, Karl Marx argues that religion is used as a tool to justify the alienation resulting from the gap between capitalists and workers. Marx also used the metaphor, ‘Religion is the opium of the people.’ Emil Dirkheim defined a clear distinction between the sacred and the profane and followed the positivist tradition. Max Weber argued that religious behavior must be understood from the perspective of a religious person.
Each religious group has its own typology. A sect is different from a church, and a denomination exists between a church and a sect. Denominations emerge when churches lose their religious monopoly in society. Because there are different churches, denominations, and sects within the framework of religion, there are differences in their characteristics.
Recent religions have been following the trend of secularism. The number of religious believers may be increasing, but that does not mean that everyone is becoming a devout believer. It is gradually becoming naturally incorporated into people's lives, which ultimately means that the influence of religion is declining.
2. What was interesting/what did you learn:
When I was learning about religion in a previous session, I thought about whether it was right to create a religious atmosphere in the family and teach religion. In this session's Religion and Social Landscape, it is explained that children inherit their religious heritage through teachings from their parents and the society that surrounds them. I was curious about how ‘religious heritage’ could persuade the view that children who have not yet formed a sense of self are taught without the option of religion.
3. Discussion Point:
In your opinion, do you think your religious heritage is positive or negative?
I think there are more positive aspects to religious heritage. Many civilizations and historical events have been religiously influenced. Religion has left a deep mark on the history and cultural development of mankind, and religious understanding and research have a significant impact on history and cultural studies. Religion is also linked to individual and community identities. Rituals, festivals, and services of religion can promote social cohesion and contribute to the formation of a sense of community.
ReplyDeleteReligious heritage can be seen as a family tradition that has passed down from generation to generation, so it will be respected with a positive perspective, but I don't think it's worth respecting if religious heritage is harmful or goes outside the ethical realm. Since people take precedence over heritage, I don't think there is a religious heritage that should be protected while harming people.
ReplyDeleteI think religious heritage is a legacy that needs to be recognized. Many people live under the influence of religious heritage, and this is affecting even non-believers. Whether it's a positive or negative effect should be considered, but I think it's mostly positive. So I argue that religious heritage is a legacy that needs to be recognized.
ReplyDeleteI think religious heritage is positive. Religious heritage promotes many cultural traditions and artistic expressions. This is because religious faith can be expressed in various fields, such as art, music, and art, thereby promoting cultural diversity and creativity.
ReplyDelete