. .
|
The
Sociology of Religion
|
|
Social
Organization; Beliefs and Rituals
|
Module
Introduction (Hub)
..
|
Documents
Included in the
Module
|
..
|
Sociology as a science
does not ask if there is a supernatural, but does ask how beliefs in the
supernatural affect social organization and patterns of behaviour.
|
.
|
There are two documents
in this module.
|
....
| One
is about variations in beliefs and practices. Like other important
aspects of culture and society, religions are affected by if not a product
of, the variations in technology underwent by human populations. |
. |
The
other is about the traditional or historical religions of the Akan people
of West Africa, overlaid as it now is by the efforts and effects of European
missionaries. |
....
|
The sociological
study of religions is valuable both to beginning sociology students and
to community mobilisers.
|
....
| Social
observers gain much insight into the nature and workings of any society
by looking at beliefs, the social organizations revolving around those
beliefs, and the various practices, rituals and relationships that come
along with that social organization. |
. |
Community
mobilisers, meanwhile, can choose more effective strategies for empowering
communities, for assisting them to make their own choices and to become
self reliant, if the mobilisers know and understand the religious variables
in each community. |
––»«––
|
2007.03.28.