Name and discuss at least three defining characteristics of indigenous religions. Then describe at least one aspect of indigenous religions that exists in a similar form in a traditional mainstream religion.
Define religion, and discuss why it is useful in society. Explain why it is important for you personally to understand the beliefs of other religious groups.
One major characteristic of an indigenous religion is the overall belief or viewpoint that practically EVERYTHING is spiritually connected, related or somehow dependent on one another. One major characteristic of an indigenous religion is the overall belief or viewpoint that practically EVERYTHING is spiritually connected, related or somehow dependent on one another. …show more content…
You should also stress that Durkheim was trying to look beyond individual characteristics to locating social factors that underlie suicide; this was critically important to him as he tried to establish sociology as a separate academic discipline. In explaining this pattern, he identified social integration, or the degree to which individuals are tied to their social group, as a key social factor in explaining suicide (11-12). At that time, the connections between individuals and many traditional social groups were weakening, because of the growing individualism and impersonality of the emerging industrial society. Durkheim called for the creation of new social groups to stand between the state and the individual (12).
You then need to make the case as to why these concepts of social integration and anomie are still relevant. You should point out that the social conditions that Durkheim described still exist. If anything, the trends that he first identified have intensified. As examples, you could talk about how Durkheim’s concepts could be applied to patterns