Religion and Society

Religion and Society  Religion can play several roles in society: – a unifying role:  religion gives society a sense of unity, cohesiveness – a conservative role:  religion encourages society to resist change religion encourages society to embrace change – a revolutionary role:  – a prophetic role:  religion serves as the conscience of society Religion and Society  Examples of the roles religion plays in society: – a unifying role:  Buddhist/Taoist society: we see a unity of belief and business (shrines in shops, e.g.), belief and architecture (feng shui) Islamic society: there is resistance to anything “western” Catholicism in Poland: it played a big role in ending communist rule – – a conservative role:  a revolutionary role:  – a prophetic role:  Christians in the U.K. (18th century): preachers spoke out against slavery, and the nation changed its policy Religion and Society  All religions have a “social dimension”: – Buddhism:    “I take refuge in the Buddha” (the ideal life) “I take refuge in the Dharma” (teachings, doctrines) “I take refuge in the Sangha” (the community of monks) the hadj to Mecca salat 5 times per day facing Mecca the weekly celebration of the Shabat the annual celebration of Pesach (Passover) – Islam:   – Judaism:   Religion and Society  Is it possible to be “religious” without being a member of a “community of faith”? – – – Can one be a Christian, e.g., and never go to church, never celebrate Christmas or Easter with others? What are some of the advantages of being religious “on your own”? What are some of the disadvantages? Religion and Society  The Christian and “Christian Society” – – “Christianity is a religion of the most profound inwardness…the crowd corrupts it!” (Kierkegaard) There is some ambivalence here. Consider:  the church did not exist in Jesus’ day, nor did he say much about it  there are only 3 accounts of Jesus inside a Jewish temple – – – as a boy, to argue with the rabbis and elders at the beginning of his public life, to read a bit of Scripture (he left immediately after) toward the end of his life, to throw out the “moneychangers” from the temple in Jerusalem   but also: the first Christians lived together in community and communal worship was for them a daily ritual Religion and Society  Religion in American Society: – do you see religion playing a large or small role in American society? – what are some examples of religion influencing American society?