RELIGION

Ch 6.1 Bellwork

Based on what you have read in Ch 6.1, explain the difference between universalizing and ethnic religions. Give 3 examples of each.

Universalizing Ethnic

Ch 6.1 LG = Students will be able to explain the difference between universalizing and ethnic religions and examples of each.4 - I can explain at least four differences between universalizing and ethnic religions and give 3 examples of each.3 - I can explain at least three differences between universalizing and ethnic religions and give 2 examples of each.2 - I can explain at least two differences between universalizing and ethnic religions and give 1 example of each.1 – I’m not sure what the difference is between universalizing and ethnic religions.

Definition of Religion

A set of beliefs and practices, a social system, through which people seek mental and physical harmony with the powers of the universe, through which we attempt to influence the awesome forces of nature, life, and death. Jordan & Rowntree

Geography of Religion FOCUS• Geographers study religion because it is an

essential part of how people live and interact with each other and with their environment.

• Focus on “where” and “why,” not beliefs• Focus on the differences between religions to

understand spatial connections• Look at the origin and diffusion of religions• Globalization vs local diversity

Geography of ReligionReligion has several geographic aspects:

• Religion is fundamental to many cultures. • Some religions vary in their distributions: some are widespread; others are very limited in distribution. • Religions are important in the organization of space.

• Most religions require active participation or loyalty; adopting one religion usually means giving up all others. • Religions may spread by both relocation and expansion diffusion.

Classification of ReligionsCONGREGATIONSpirit of Joy, St. Luke…

RELIGIONChristianity,Islam, Buddhism…

BRANCHProtestant,Catholic, Orthodox

DENOMINATIONLutheran, MethodistBaptist…

Classification of Religions

Taxonomy (like kingdom-phylum-class-order…)

RELIGION (i.e. Christianity, Islam, Buddhism)BRANCH (i.e. Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox)

DENOMINATION (i.e. Lutheran, Baptist)(sect is a break away from a denomination,

could be a “cult”)CONGREGATION (i.e. “Spirit of Joy”)(also known as a parish, ward,

coven…)

Important Vocabulary Monotheism - belief in one deity

Polytheism belief in many deities

Animism belief that everything is

“animate” (has a spirit). This may or may not include “deities” (could include ancestors, spirits…) Think of “Pocahontas.”

DO NOTbelievethat anygod exists

BELIEVE in god(s)

WEAK or NO evidence for the existence of god(s), so can’t be certain god(s) exists

BELIEVES there is enough evidence to prove the existence of god(s)

6.1 Where are Religions Distributed?

A. Universalizing Religions - seek out new members, appeals to a wide variety of people

B. Ethnic Religions – are unique to particular ethnic groups who generally don’t seek out new members

6.1 Where are Religions Distributed?

6.1 Where are Religions Distributed?

A. Universalizing Religions - seek out new members

Christianity• Largest, >2 bill, most widespread of all religions,

mostly in N. and S. America, Europe, Australia

• BRANCHES: Roman Catholic (52%)Protestant (21%)Eastern Orthodox

(10%)

6.1 Where are Religions Distributed?

6.1 Where are Religions Distributed?

Christianity• 90% of people in WESTERN hemisphere profess

Christianity, largest religion in worldR. Catholic – 93% in Latin America

- 29% in N. America (SW & NE)

Protestant - 28% of USA’s population - Baptists in SE - Lutherans in

upper Midwest - Mormons in

Utah & area around - Methodists

band across Midwest