Religion from a sociological perspective

1. RELIGION
 To which RELIGION do you belong?
Name some RELIGIONS in INDIA ...

2. HINDUISM
ISLAM
CHRISTIANITY
SIKHISM
BUDDHISM
JAINISM
ZOROASTRIANISM
JUDAISM

3. Etymological Meaning
• The word ‘Religion’ is derived from the Latin
word ‘Religio’ which means ‘the agency
bringing human beings and supernatural
power together’.
• Marathi word for Religion is ‘Dharma’ and is
derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Dhru’ which
means to possess (hold).

4. RELIGION is…..

5. Maharshi Vyas “ One who upholds society”.
•Edward Taylor “Belief in supernatural powers is religion”.
•Emile Durkh “Belief in a sacred power and a system
arising out of interdependence in actions is religion”.
•Prof. Mukerjee “Religion is a belief on
super human and extraordinary power”.

6. “Religion is so widespread , eternal & all
encompassing in human life that without
proper knowledge about religion . Society
cannot be understood”?
?

7. CHARACTERISTICS
OF
RELIGION

8. UNIVERSAL NATURE

9. BELIEF IN
SUPERNATURAL POWER
•Religion originated from a Supernatural Power.
•Happiness depends on the blessings of this power.
•It’s existence can’t be proved scientifically.
•It is accepted by FAITH & expressed through WORSHIP.

10. RITUALS
Ritual is an action done to please The
Supernatural Power.
E. g. Prayer, Worship, Yadna…
Rituals differ from Religion to Religion.

11.  SACRED AND PROFANE CONCEPT
SACRED holy, blessed
Holy books, temple places, rivers …
PROFANE irreverent disrespectful
Illegal Practices, performing rituals
without bathing …

12. RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS

13. Importance of
Religion

14. Social Control
Acceptable & Non
Acceptable rules

15. Symbolic Integrity in a group
• Common symbols & views.
• Coming together creates integrity &unity.
• E. g. Festivals

16. Raising of Morale
• Religion RAISES THE
MORALE of a person in
times of difficulty & lessens
the STRESS on the mind.
• Use of Rituals. May not have
desired effects.
• It creates confidence in a
person who is struggling in
life & is still not successful.