11:45 Tuesday - Thursday Michael R. Leming, Professor Spring 1999
Write a cross-cultural analysis of a primitive (non-western
small localized unified society) magical and/or religion system.
How does such a system function with regard to societal
maintenance?
Analyze the magical rituals of a particular cultural group.
What is the role of the practitioner, shaman, or curer? What is
the function of such practices in unifying the group?
In addressing himself to the question, "What is the object of
the religious experience," Durkheim claims that the worship of God
is the disguised worship of society.
Compare and contrast a structural functional approach to
religion with the symbolic interactionist perspective.
From a functionalist perspective, why is there a societal need
for religious beliefs and practices? What are the social functions
of religion?
Using Weber's conception of charisma, analyze the activities
and influence of a charismatic individual or movement.
Write an essay on the concept of the "sacred" or the "holy"
from a phenomenological perspective utilizing the ideas of such
individuals as Durkheim, Otto, Sapir, Tillich, Muller, Fustel, and
others.
Write an essay on the nature of religious experience. You may
wish to refer to the writings and ideas of such persons as Wach
and James.
How is a religious "world view" related to self conceptions?
How are religious meanings incorporated into self meanings?
Write an essay on the implications of individualism vs. group
identification in the American religious tradition.
Write a social-psychological analysis of religious
conversion.
In addressing himself to the question, "What is the object of
the religious experience," Durkheim claims that the worship of God
is the disguised worship of society. Formulate a reaction to such
a claim.
In what ways are religious systems dysfunctional for society
and rather than promoting societal maintenance, actually
contributes to the disintegration of the social system?
Analyze the fundamental dilemmas discussed by O'Dea in chapter
6 and suggest some possible responses by religious institutions in
contemporary American society which would provide for the adaptive
and expressive needs of individuals who experience these
dilemmas.
How does religion function relative to the life-cycle process
of individual maturation? How does it aid persons to pass from one
stage of life to another?
How does religion function relative to death-related behavior
and meanings?
What is the relationship between religion and war?
How does religion function in times of adversity and
suffering?
What is civil religion and how does it function relative to
societal maintenance?