The objective of this course was to open our eyes to the sociological perspective of religion and to develop an understanding of tolerance towards it. The combination of articles, discussions, and books that we read certainly has an impact on my view of religion. Sociology of religion is the study of the religion what religion is, how it works, and its effect. This study requires an atheistic standpoint when approaching the subject of religion, meaning sociologists must follow a scientific approach that cannot explain religious phenomena using religious ideas. Although all people do not have the same beliefs, religion is found in all human societies and evidence can be traced back to earlier times where religious ceremonies were found. …show more content…
For example, Christian ideals have strongly impacted America’s founding, with ministers supporting the political principles of republic government from their pulpits. Many religious ideals and institutions have led many social reform movements throughout American history. Catholics, Evangelicals, and other orthodox believers have been at the forefront of important social movements such as women’s suffrage, child labor laws, the civil rights movement, and the list goes on and on. Recently, evangelicals have emerged in forming coalitions with others on issues such as AIDS and the sexual trafficking of women and children. This amazingly prophetic role of the church has been a crucial factor in America’s ability to learn from its mistakes and address social injustice. America’s religious diversity is a big source of its social strength and stability. Religion has always played a significant role in shaping American society. All types of religious groups have found a place in the American landscape. They have endorsed the basic propositions of the American Creed and are yet free to worship according to the dictates of conscience. They offer a plentiful storehouse of values and resources that sustain civil society. This nation’s heritage remains deeply intertwined with American culture and identity, which is what makes the United States such a unique …show more content…
Emile Durkheim’s theory of religion explains how functionalists examine sociological phenomena. He believed that people see religion as a contribution to the health and continuation of society. These religious functions bind society’s members to affirm common beliefs and values on a regular basis. Durkheim believed that religion would decrease and the world modernizes and scientific thinking would eventually replace religious thinking. Later, he changed his view and saw that religion within the context of the entire society and recognized its place in influencing the thinking and behavior of members of society. Durkheim discovered that people tend to separate sacred objects such as religious symbols and rituals from profane objects which are daily symbols and routines of existence. With the help of Durkheim, he invented a language to understand our collective moral