anthropology test Religion and Ritual (pt.4)

Religion/culture terminology

fetish
Specific object with magical powers

magic
Strategies that people use to control the supernatural

pilgrimage
Journey to shrine or spiritual place

ritual
Prescribed behaviour

taboo
A restriction on behaviour that ensures a good outcome

How Anthropologists see Religion

1)Help people answer ultimate questions (ex. Why are we here? What is death? Why does evil happen to some and not others?)

2)Religion satisfies psychological needs common to all people in the face of uncertainty

3)Religion provides community and affirms a person's place in society

Examples of how religion impacts society (view of environment, wardrobe, diet, family roles, morals)

Muslim faith ⇒ Women's Wardrobe

Headscarf traditionally worn by Muslim women
From Quran, women are instructed to dress modestly, covering a woman's body with the exception of her hands and face
Seen as a social practice and form of identity
Depending on where you live, there may or may not be rules on dressing

Taliban government in Afghanistan, women were expected to wear the burka in public
Burka: covering from head to toe except for a small area around the eyes, which is covered by netting
If not, they were subjected to violent punishments
Women are also forbidden from
Being educated
Working
Go out in public alone

Examples of how religion impacts society (view of environment, wardrobe, diet, family roles, morals)

Hinduism ⇒ Dietary Code

Belief that God's creatures are worthy of respect and compassion
Encourages being vegetarian OR refraining from beef and pork
Food affects body and the mind
Some foods (stale, spoiled foods) ⇒ produce negative emotions
Rajasic food (spicy, pungent foods_ ⇒ strong passions and emotions

Examples of how religion impacts society (view of environment, wardrobe, diet, family roles, morals)

Christianity ⇒ Family Roles

1)Parents
"Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them angry. Instead, bring them up with Christian discipline and instruction."
~Eph 6:4~

Parent's Role:
Teaching them how to love
How to accept authority
Teaching them about God


2)Kids
"Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents, for this is the right thing do."
~Eph 6:1~

Children's role
Honour and respect parents
Be obedient
Practice sacrificial love as Jesus did


3)Husband's, Wife's
Husband's Role
Be the leader of the family
Love the wife
Be a servant-leader

Wife's Role
Being a helper
Respect the husband
Submitting herself to the husband