InConjunctionwith

Anthropology of Religion

Image courtesy of JenniferJorgensen

Professor Richley Crapo, Ph.D.

Anthropology
Utah State University

AbouttheProfessor

Richley Crapo received his Ph.D. in anthropology in 1970 at the University of Utah. His doctoral
dissertation was a study of the roles of the English and Shoshoni languages among the
Duckwater Shoshoni Indians of eastern Nevada.

HehaspublishedbooksontheShoshonilanguageofNevada,theQuechualanguageof
Bolivia,andoncrossculturalresearchinhumanpsychology.Heisalsotheauthorofthe
textyouwilluseinthiscourse.Prof.Crapoenjoysgoldprospectingasahobby


RICHLEY CRAPO

Syllabus

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course presents a theoretical analysis of religion as a cultural phenomenon. It explores the
functional relationships between religion, culture, society, and the individual.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS COURSE

This course contains reading assignments, video lectures, and other resources dealing with the
anthropology of religion.

Text Book

Crapo, Richley H. 2002, Anthropology of Religion. McGraw-Hill.

ISBN: 0072387238

Video Lectures

Each topic area includes one or more video lectures presented by Prof. Crapo. Through the video
lectures, Prof. Crapo shares anecdotes and examples that will enrich your understanding of
religious beliefs and practices. In addition to viewing the video lectures, you may also access a
PDF version of Prof. Crapo's lecture notes in outline form.

Images
Each chapter contains photographs depicting visual examples of topics discussed.

Other Resources

Each topic area includes a list of additional resources you may find useful in enhancing your
understanding of the anthropology of religion.

Schedule
Chapter Title Reading Video
Lectures

AnthropologicalViewpointsabout Video
1 Ch.1
Religion Lectures

Video
2 DiversityandUnityintheWorld'sReligionsCh.2
Lectures

Video
3 ThePsychologyofReligion Ch.3
Lectures

Video
4 ReligiousMythsandSymbols Ch.4
Lectures

Video
5 ReligionasExpressiveCulture Ch.5
Lectures

Video
6 Language,Belief,andReligion Ch.6
Lectures

Video
7 ReligiousRitual Ch.7
Lectures

Video
8 ReligiousSocialOrganization Ch.8
Lectures

Video
9 ReligionandSociety Ch.9
Lectures

Video
10 ReligiousAdaptationandChange Ch.10
Lectures


Chapter1

Reading Assignment: Foreword and Chapter 1, Anthropological Viewpoints

about Religion

As you read, consider the following questions and/or ideas:

Whatismorecentraltoreligionsupernaturalbeliefs,asenseofthesacred,orvalues?
Howdoreligionandsciencedifferintheirmethodsandconcepts?Aretheycomplementaryor
incompatible?

Video Lectures

IntroductiontoAnthropologicalViewpointsaboutReligion

(WMV)(MOV)

ShoshoneWaterBaby(WMV)(MOV)

FiveBuildingBlocksofReligion(WMV)(MOV)

1.DistinctiveBeliefs(WMV)(MOV)

2.ImportantFeelings(WMV)(MOV)

3.Rituals(WMV)(MOV)

ShoshoneTrances(WMV)(MOV)

4.SocialGroups(WMV)(MOV)

5.Symbolism(WMV)(MOV)

LDSCreationStory(WMV)(MOV)

Additional Resources

DefinitionofReligionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion#Defining_.22religion.22
Symbolismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_symbolism
ReligiousSymbolsPictureDictionary
http://altreligion.about.com/library/glossary/blsymbols.htm
Cathedralshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cathedrals
WaterBabyanovelbyJackLondon)
http://www.classicreader.com/read.php/sid.6/bookid.1053/
ChiefWashakieFoundation(moreinformationonwaterbabies)
http://www.windriverhistory.org/exhibits/ARARA/arara6.htm
BigFoothttp://www.bfro.net/
BigFoothttp://www.rense.com/ufo3/bigfootinbc.htm
ExplanationforUFO's
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paranormal_and_Occult_Hypotheses_About_UFOs
UFOReporting(reportasighting)http://www.nwlink.com/~ufocntr/
LochNessMonster(2,800photographs)
http://images.google.com/images?q=loch+ness+monster&hl=en&lr=&domains=http://teacherli
nk.ed.usu.edu&sa=N&tab=ii&oi=imagest
ReligiousTrancesandFitshttp://www.pupress.princeton.edu/titles/6724.html
LDSChurch(ChurchofJesusChristofLatterdaySaints)http://www.lds.org
LDSChurch(ChurchofJesusChristofLatterdaySaints)http://www.mormon.org

Chapter1LectureNotes
Religion:AMultiFacetedPhenomenon
Religions have many facets that can be studies by anthropologists.

I.Beliefs

Recognizing if a belief is religious or not is not a simple process.

Mostreligionstreatspiritualthingsasapartofdailylife.
Most religions do not segregate them into a special day that is set apart from the mundane work. The lack of a
word religion in most languages make it hard for researchers to simply ask, Is that religion.

Outsider questioning Bigfoot, UFOs, Lock Ness Monster, Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus as
beliefs or religious belief

Shoshone Water Baby

Star Wars and Luke Skywalkers Force

Mana in Chirstianity

II.SpecialFeelings

Religion involves special feelings that religious things evoke like reverence, awe, and dread.

Connectedtostrangeorunusualpartsofnaturalenvironment

Deep caves for Maya of Central America.

III.SpecialBehaviors
Ritualsdoingreligiousthings
They are done with careful attention to detail and with important feelings that do not attend mere habitual
behavior.

Christian sacrament of the Lords Supper

IV.SocialBonds
Religionfostersloyaltytoonescommunity,tribe,ornation.

Fourth of July celebrations in U.S. Christian denominations

V.PsychologyoftheReligiousLife

Trance in Shoshone Curing ceremony

Puhakanti performed curing ceremonies by smoking tobacco during ritual to help him enter a trance state and
connect with his spiritual partner.

VI.SymbolicContent
ExamineTextssuchaswrittenscriptures,oralstories,symbolisminrituals,
symbolisminarchitecture.

Christian Cathedrals
When seen from above, they take the form of a cross a symbol of great meaning in their religion.

Jewish Mikvah

Mikvah involves immersion in water a natural symbol of life and cleansing.

LDS Creation Story

Symbolism of free will versus coercion has center stage and is repeatedly emphasized, thereby communicating
the importance of right choice.

Image courtesy of Bryan Spykerman

These are examples of "village guards" which traditionally stood outside Korean
villages.
Image courtesy of Jennifer Jorgensen

Outside the Shrine of the Emerald Buddha, Royal Palace Grounds, Bangkok, Thailand.

A ritual is done with careful attention and with important feelings that do not attend mere
habitual behavior. The removal of one's shoes before entering sacred places is a ritual.

Image courtesy of Jennifer Jorgensen

Most religions treat spiritual things as a part of daily life. A taxi rushes in front of a
local business where a spirit house is believed to bring good fortune to the business
owners. Bangkok, Thailand.
Image courtesy of Jennifer Jorgensen

Most religions treat spiritual things as a part of daily life. Wats (religious temples) are scattered
throughout communities and are open every day of the week. No particular day of the week is set
aside for worship.

Doi Suthep, Thailand.

Chapter2

Reading Assignment: Chapter 2, Diversity and Unity in the World's Religions

As you read, consider the following questions and/or ideas:

Thediversityofreligiousbeliefsandpractices
Limitationsonthediversityofreligiousbeliefsandpractices
Video Lectures

IntroductiontoDiversityandUnityintheWorld'sReligions(WMV)(MOV)

SupernaturalBeliefs(WMV)(MOV)

AnthropomorphicBeliefs(WMV)(MOV)

HumanSexuality(WMV)(MOV)

PuebloIndiansandAnthropomorphism(WMV)(MOV)

AnthropomorphisminWesternReligions(WMV)(MOV)

DobuanAnthropomorphism(WMV)(MOV)

FeelingsinReligiousSettings(WMV)(MOV)

SpecialPlacesamongtheShwaras(WMV)(MOV)

SouthernCaliforniaNatives:RingingRocks(WMV)(MOV)

RelieffromDistressfulEmotions(WMV)(MOV)

18thCenturyFrontierNewYork(WMV)(MOV)

RitualPractices(WMV)(MOV)

ConclusiontoChapter2(WMV)(MOV)

Additional Resources

Anthropomorphismhttp://wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthropomorphism
RainDanceshttp://www.britannica.com/ebi/article?tocId=9334115
RingingRocksinPennsylvaniahttp://www.unexplainedearth.com/ringing.php
HealingsbyShamanshttp://www.civilization.ca/aborig/tsimsian/shacu01e.html

 Chapter2LectureNotes
DiversityandUnityinReligions
Religions everywhere make use of the same basic building blocks

SupernaturalBeliefs

Beliefs that attribute human-like characteristics to non human things

Thesebeliefsdonothaveimmediatepracticalconequences.
Because these beliefs do not have immediate practical consequences, they can be among the most diverse
parts of human cultures.

Deva-Dasi Dancers

Contrast the different ideas about human sexuality in western religions with the treatment of sexuality as a
th th
means of experiencing the divine in the 10 13 century southern Indian Hinduism..

Pueblo Indians

Survived by gardening in the desert southwest of the U.S. prayed to clouds for rain.

Western Religions Personify God

Although rejecting physical anthropomorphism regarding God, they responds to human languages, feels
love and compassion, and make decisions just as humans do.

Dobuans and Yams

Dobuans believe that Yams travel underground at night to visit other gardens much like young men visit
neighboring villages at night..

StrongFeelingsandEmotions

Feelings are often stronger in religious setting than they are in mundane ones.

Awe,reverence,dreadofthingsbecausetheyarestrangeorunusual.

Ringing Stones
 Ringing stone in southern California considered sacred.

Image courtesy of Jennifer Jorgensen

A Buddhist monk recites a prayer on food for the idol. The group then recites the prayer.
Wat at Doi Suthep, Thailand.


ImagecourtesyofJenniferJorgensen

Non-human things are attributed with human characteristics.

In Thailand, Buddhists leave food and drink for the idol. Wat Phananchoeng, Ayutthaya,
Thailand.

ImagecourtesyofBryanSpykerman
ThiswomanispayingrespectsinErewansquaresurroundedbyskyscrapersindowntownBangkok,
Thailand.Interestingly,thoughmostThaisare
Buddhist,thisshrineistotheHindugodBrahma.ThewomanismostlikelyBuddhist,butlikemostThais,
findsitnocontradictiontopayrespectstooraskfavorsoflocalspirits.

ImagecourtesyofJenniferJorgensen

Individual ritual.

A woman is praying to a Buddhist idol. Wat Phananchoeng, Thailand.



ImagecourtesyofJenniferJorgensen

Group performing ritual.

Group changing the robes of the Buddha. Wat Phananchoeng, Ayutthaya, Thailand.

Chapter3

Reading Assignment: Chapter 3, The Psychology of Religion

As you read, consider the following questions and/or ideas:

Stress,emotion,rituals,andcatharsisinreligion
YanomamoReligionasprojectionofaggression
Thepsychologicalfunctionsofreligion:religionandmentalhealth
Alteredstatesofconsciousness:visionsandhallucinationstheneuropsychologyofreligious
experiences
Howarereligioustrancestatesrelatedtosocialization,societaltensions,andpersonalitytypes?
Whatdotraditionalreligioushealersandwesternpsychotherapistshaveincommon?
Video Lectures

IntroductiontoThePsychologyofReligion(WMV)(MOV)

DreamsamongtheIroquois(WMV)(MOV)

DreamsamongtheSenoi(WMV)(MOV)

TheEffectofReligiononEmotionsinDaytoDayLife(WMV)(MOV)

TheEffectofReligiononAttitudes(WMV)(MOV)

PietyamongtheApaches(WMV)(MOV)

TheEffectofReligiononMentalHealth(WMV)(MOV)

TraditionalReligiousHealingvs.Psychotherapy(WMV)(MOV)

NavajoCuringCeremony(WMV)(MOV)

ReligiousTrances(WMV)(MOV)

BrainProcessesandReligiousExperiences(WMV)(MOV)

NearDeathExperiences(WMV)(MOV)

ConclusiontoChapter3(WMV)(MOV)

Additional Resources

Shamanismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamanism
DreamInterpretationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream_interpretation
SenoiofMalaysia:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senoi
NearDeathExperienceshttp://www.neardeath.com/
Gnostichttp://gnosis.org/gnintro.htm

Chapter3LectureNotes
PsychologyofReligions
Religions influences human psychology in various ways.
I.IntellectualEffects

Explain things that people may have no current secular explanation for.

Explainingdreams,unconsciousness,anddeath.
In many cultures, dreams have been explained as experiences of the spirit when it travels outside the body
during sleep.

Iroquois

Since dreams were sent from the gods, they carried a mandate to carry out the obligations implied by the
dreams. The Iroquois held regular ceremonies to divine meanings of dreams and help dreamers fulfill
obligations laid on them by their dreams.

Senoi of Mayalsia

Treated dreams as matters of great importance. Adults met regularly every morning to discuss and interpret
dreams. Developed a skill to consciously influence the course of their dreams. Dreams played a part in cultural
change.

II.AffectiveEffects

Religion has affective effects in human life.

Religiousexperiencescommonlybringpeaceofmind,especiallyconcerning
dailytroubles.

Americans: Baptism and Mikvah

In large-scale societies, people worry about their rights being violated by the immoral of illegal behavior of
others. Muggings, burglary, etc. These societies have rituals of purification.

III.AttitudeEffects

Religion influences peoples attitudes about various things.

Religionmayinfluenceourfeelingsaboutmorality,piety,andpolitics.
IV.MentalHealthEffects

The various effects on human psychology have a stabilizing influence and helps people cope more effectively
with distressful emotions. Thus, religion tends to be correlated wit various measrues of positive mental health.

Traditionalreligioushealingpracticeshavemanyparallelstopracticesof
westernpsychotherapy.

Ericksonian hyphnotherapy

In large-scale societies, people worry about their rights being violated by the immoral of illegal behavior of
others. Muggings, burglary, etc. These societies have rituals of purification.

Trance

Common in religious ceremonies. Brings a sense of numinous or the subjective sense of being outside ones
own body. Researchers have begun to explore the brain processes that occur during trance states.

Near Death Experiences

Eugene DAquili and Andrew Newberg have found that the area of the brain responsible for helping us
distinguish between external and internal experiences undergo marked changes during such activities as
intense prayer or particularly spiritual meditative states.

Waterfalls, Caves
Unusual features of natural environment often treated as places of spiritual power.

Religioussettingsassociatedwithcatharsisrelieffromdistressfulemotions.
th
18 Century Frontier New York

Religious enthusiasm, swooning, and bodily exercises at camp revivalisms.

Holiness Churches of Appalachia

Speaking in tongues, shouting, and swooning remain common today.

RitualPractices

All religions include both personal rituals and ceremonies performed in group settings.
 PersonalRituals

Personal Prayer

Ritualforindividualperformedbyanotherindividual.

Shoshone Shaman

Shaman would perform a curing ritual

Ritualforgroupperformedbyanindividual.

Priest

Performance of rites for a congregation by a pastor.

Ritualsperformedasagroup.
SingingHymns

ImagecourtesyofJenniferJorgensen

Religious experiences commonly bring peace of mind, especially concerning daily troubles.
This image of Buddha represents calming the waters. It symbolizes prevention from related
altercations. Wat Phananchoeng, Ayutthaya, Thailand.

Image courtesy of Jennifer Jorgensen

Religion is used to explain things that may have no secular explanation such as death.

A shrine guards a graveyard in Thailand. Ayutthaya, Thailand.

Image courtesy of Bryan Spykerman

A Dani Woman walking along a road in the Wmena Valley in Irian Jaya (West Papua),
Indonesia. She has covered herself in yellow mud as a sign of mourning for a chief who recently
died.

Chapter4

Reading Assignment: Chapter 4, Religious Myths and Symbols

As you read, consider the following questions and/or ideas:

Whatdoreligioustaboosrevealaboutthevaluesofasocietyandhowdotaboosreinforcesocial
stability?
Isreligionmerelysociety'sworshipofitself?
Thestructuralanalysisofmythsclassicexamples
Thestructuralanalysisofmythscontemporaryexamples
Video Lectures

IntroductiontoReligiousMythsandSymbols(WMV)(MOV)

SymbolismintheChristianBaptism(WMV)(MOV)

AztecSymbolism(WMV)(MOV)

Cosmology(WMV)(MOV)

YanomamoCreationStory(WMV)(MOV)

GnosticGodhead(WMV)(MOV)

CommonElements:BasicHumanConcernsandConflicts(WMV)(MOV)

ShoshoneAnimals(WMV)(MOV)

FertilityDeities(WMV)(MOV)

Mythology(WMV)(MOV)

Myths,SymbolsandStarTrek(WMV)(MOV)

StructuralMeaningandStarTrek(WMV)(MOV)

StructuralMeaningandCinderella(WMV)(MOV)

OppositesSymbolsamongthePueblosandAztecs(WMV)(MOV)

Legends(WMV)(MOV)

LimitsofVariability(WMV)(MOV)

HierarchicalSocietiesandtheBeliefinaSupremeBeing(WMV)

(MOV)

AncestralSpirits(WMV)(MOV)

Reincarnation(WMV)(MOV)

PersonalSoulvs.GreatSpirit(WMV)(MOV)

GodsWhoSanctionMorality(WMV)(MOV)
 SorceryandWitchcraft(WMV)(MOV)

ArtifactsSymbols(WMV)(MOV)

ConclusiontoChapter4(WMV)(MOV)

Additional Resources

Mythshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion#Religion_and_myth
Nezahualcoyotl'sPoemshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nezahualcoyotl
ReligiousCosmologyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmology#Religious_cosmology

Chapter4LectureNotes
ReligiousMythsandSymbols
Religion is a realm of symbolism.

I.MultiLayeredsymbolism

Most religious symbols have multiple layers of meaning.

Christian Baptism

II.RecurrentSymbolism

A religions most important meanings are conveyed by recurrent symbolic expressions.

Mormon Creation Story

Freedom of choice becomes a recurring element.

Aztec Religion

The effemerality of existence, interplay of life and death symbolism.

Nezahualcoyotls Poem
III.Cosmology
Anthropomorphic beings and powers and their relation to humans

Yanomamo

South American. The creation story.

Gnostic Godhead

The effemerality of existence, interplay of life and death symbolism.

Thecosmologyofmanysocietiessharecommonelements.
Relating to basic human concerns and conflicts such as economic, biological, social and sexual needs.

Foraging Societies

Use animal deities such as Shoshone Coyote

Agricultural Societies

Use fertility deities such as European Ceres and Persepone

IV. Myths

Malinwoski: A sacred character that codifies belief. Leviticus: God is holy, be thou also holy.

Mythicsymbolsplayanimportantroleininterpretingmyths.

Star Trek

Bones is like the Id. Spock is the Superego. Kirk is the Ego.

Quetzalcoatl

StructuralMeaningvs.Storyline.

Star Trek

Quest into the unknown, discovery of paradise, the god has feet of clay, Kirk overcomes the god, and the quest
continues.

Mythemes
Units of meaning conveyed by repetitive symbolism.

Legends
Larger-than-life heroes who embody the values that society should emulate (and their opposites.

V.LimitsofVariability
SupremeBeing
Makes sense when there is political supremacy.

Polytheism
Specialization in social life.

AncestralSpirits
When group is descended in a family line fro ancestors who controlled the same means of livelihood.

Reincarnation
Identity based on membership in small, continuing local groups

PersonalSoul
Versus great spirit

Godswhosanctionmorality

Sorceryandwitchcraft

Navajo witchcraft

VI. Artifacts as Symbols

Cathedrals and Temples

Holy Water

Keris Knives

Clerical Collars

Southwest Indian Katchinas

BalanesMasks
Barong (Lord of the Forest) versus Rangda (Queen of Death)

ImagecourtesyJenniferJorgensen

Symbolism.

Different poses of Buddha symbolize different things.

Display in museum, Doi Suthep, Thailand.

Image courtesy of Jennifer Jorgensen

Multi-layered symbolism.

Burning incense has many different symbolic meanings such as carrying a prayer or spirit to
heaven and offering a sweet aroma to God.

Buddhists burn incense in front of a large Reclining Buddha. royal Palace Grounds, Bangkok,
Thailand.
Imagecourtesyof
Prof.RichleyCrapo

AKoshariKachina,alsocalledClown,Glutton,andHanoClown,istherepresentationofanimportant
Pueblodeitywhoisbothsacredandprofane.TheKoshariisexpectedtoviolatevariousnormsof
acceptablebehaviorandsymbolizesthelackofimpulsecontrolofunsocializedyouths.Thisisoneof
manyversionsoftheKoshariKachina.

ImagecourtesyofProf.RichleyCrapo
Artifacts as symbols.

Every adult Malay man is expected to own a keris knife such as this one. Keris are pattern-
welded blades that can be any shape or size. The surface contains hundreds of different patterns.

ImagecourtesyofProf.RichleyCrapo

Artifacts as symbols.

Masks are important to many religions. This mask is used in Bali to reenact Balinese mythology
ImagecourtesyofProf.RichleyCrapo

ManyNorthAmericanIndianscarrymedicinebagsasaspiritualbenefit."Medicine"hereisthecommon
Englishwordthatreferstotheideaofthingsthataresacredorendowedwithspiritualpower.Thebags
containavarietyofsacredobjectsthattheownerhasselectedbasedontheirpersonalspiritual
significance.

ImagecourtesyofProf.RichleyCrapo

Prayer wheels both large and small are used in Nepalese Buddhism. By twirling the weight on
the end of the china, the body of the prayer wheel is rotated, causing prayers to ascend.

Prayer wheel from Nepal.



ImagecourtesyofBryanSpykerman

Multi-layered symbolism and legends.

Kal Bhairav, the Lord of Destruction. This fearsome 10-foot tall stone figure is another of the
many aspects of Shiva. Atop his wide-eyed face is a crown decorated with human skulls. On his
back is a human skin. The prostrate figure upon which Kal Bhairav is standing represents human
ignorance. It is also said that the prone figure is Kal Bhairav's father-in-law, who insulted Shiva
and caused his own daughter, Kal Bhairav's wife, to commit suicide. Kal Bhairav has six arms,
and in one of his hands he holds a skull cup that worshipers often toss coins into. There are
always a few boys around to quickly snatch them up.

Erected in the 17th or 18th century, the statue was supposedly used as a lie detector. People
suspected of committing a crime would be brought before the statue, made to touch its feet, and
then forced to say whether or not they committed the crime. It was believed that if they lied, they
would immediately bleed to death. The mere threat of being brought before Kal Bhairav was
often enough to elicit a confession.

ImagecourtesyofProf.RichleyCrapo

"Drypaintings"aremadefromavarietyofgroundminerals.Theyplayanimportantroleincuring
ceremonies.ThedesignsrepresentimportantsymbolsfromNavajomythology.Therearemanydifferent
designs,eachmadeupofsacredsymbolsthatrelatetoaspecificcuringceremony.Truedrypaintings
areproducedforasingleceremonyandthenremovedandreturnedtonatureattheendofthe
ceremony.Thoseproducedforsaletotouristsneverincludethefull,sacredpatternofaceremonialdry
painting.

Chapter5

Reading Assignment: Chapter 5, Religion as Expressive Culture

As you read, consider the following questions and/or ideas:

Religion,play,art,love,andmentaldisorders:thefuzzyboundaries
Naturalsymbols
Whatdoesareligionrevealaboutasociety'sstructureandvalues?

Video Lectures

IntroductiontoReligionasExpressiveCulture(WMV)(MOV)

FeelingsinReligion(WMV)(MOV)

YanomamoHealingRitual(WMV)(MOV)
 WesternRitualsandFeelings(WMV)(MOV)

Values,Piety,Morality(WMV)(MOV)

ApachePiety(WMV)(MOV)

Values,Piety,andMoralityContinued(WMV)(MOV)

NaturalSymbols(WMV)(MOV)

SymbolismintheChristianBaptism(WMV)(MOV)

TheHumanBody(WMV)(MOV)

NatureasaSourceofSymbols(WMV)(MOV)

ConclusiontoChapter5(WMV)(MOV)

Additional Resources

Mysticismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mysticism
DefinitionofLegendhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legends
TheHolyGrailhttp://historymedren.about.com/od/holygrail/
RobinHoodhttp://www.boldoutlaw.com/
Witchcrafthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witches
Witches(alistofadditionalreadingsandwebsitesaboutwitches)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witches#Additional_Reading
Kachinas(photos)http://www.alltribes.com/catalog/KachinaDollp1c134.html
BalineseMaskshttp://www.geocities.com/intrepidberkeleyexplorer/Page21A.html

Chapter5LectureNotes
ReligionasExpressiveCulture
I. ExpressiveCulture
Oftendifficulttostudybecauseofthedifferenceinemotionsanddiversityof
formswithintheart.
CharacteristicsofExpressiveCulture

II.FeelingsinReligion
Ritualandfeelings

TheNuminous:ExperienceoftheHoly.

Mysticism

Values

Piety and Morality

III.NaturalSymbols

East vs. West

Caves and the underworld

Mountains and the heavens

Stars as Gods

Psychoactive Plants
Image courtesy of Jennifer Jorgensen

Religion as expressive culture.

Religion has affected the architecture of Thailand for hundreds of years. Pictured is detail work
on ancient ruins in Sukho Thai, Thailand which was at one time a capital city.

Image courtesy of Jennifer Jorgensen

Natural Symbols
This Wat is commonly called "Golden Mountain." Mountains naturally symbolize ascending to
heaven. One can climb the many steps to reach the top of the structure to find a Buddhist shrine
and therefore, symbolically ascend to heaven. Wat Phuukhawthong, Ayutthaya, Thailand.

Image courtesy of Bryan Spykerman

Graceful Buddhas.

Art and religion are both parts of expressive culture, and art often plays a role in religious ritual
and in communicating religious messages. These graceful Buddhas decorate the courtyard of a
temple in Luang Prabang, Laos
Image courtesy of Bryan Spykerman

An Ascetic Reunciate.

This Hindu Sadhu, or wandering ascetic, is sitting at the foot of the steps at Swayambhunath
temple, Katmandu, Nepal.
Image courtesy of Jennifer Jorgensen

Religion as expressive culture.

Thai dancing tells religious and secular stories and legends. Bangkok, Thailand.

Chapter6

Reading Assignment: Chapter 6, Language, Belief, and Religion

As you read, consider the following questions and/or ideas:

Diversitywithinreligion
Religiouslanguageasarestrictedcode
Isitpossibletotranslatethesacredtextswithoutdistortingtheirreligiousmessages?
Howdoeslanguageinfluencereligiousthought?

Video Lectures

IntroductiontoLanguage,Belief,andReligion(WMV)(MOV)

Literalismvs.Figurativism(WMV)(MOV)

ChristianFloodStory(WMV)(MOV)

DiversityandUniformitywithinReligiousTraditions(WMV)(MOV)

LanguageinReligiousPractice(WMV)(MOV)

Restrictedvs.ElaboratedCodesandLinguisticTaboos(WMV)(MOV)

RestrictedCodes(WMV)(MOV)

ElaboratedCodes(WMV)(MOV)

Taboos(WMV)(MOV)

LanguageinRitual(WMV)(MOV)

ParadoxinReligiousThought(WMV)(MOV)

TheParadoxofEvil(WMV)(MOV)
 SacredTexts(WMV)(MOV)

WrittenTexts(WMV)(MOV)

LanguageChangeandReligiousMeaning(WMV)(MOV)

SacrednessoftheTexts(WMV)(MOV)

TranslatingAncientTexts(WMV)(MOV)

Conclusiontochapter6(WMV)(MOV)

Additional Resources

Glossolaliahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossolalia
Noah'sArkandTheFloodhttp://www.christiananswers.net/qabr/abra001.html
CatholicLiturgies
http://www.catholicliturgy.com/index.cfm/FuseAction/documentTest/Index/2/SubIndex/40/Co
ntentIndex/390/Start/389
CanonicalTexthttp://www.wabashcenter.wabash.edu/Internet/bible_etex

Chapter6LectureNotes
LanguageandReligion
Language and religion are intimately connected. With out language, religion would not be possible

I.Interpretation

Language is used to teach and interpret religious beliefs, many of which are expressed as oral or written texts.

Storiesdonotinterpretthemselves.
We humans have to interpret their meaning.

Thereisnoinherentrightorwronginterpretationofreligioustexts;thereisonly
tradition.
The ability to interpret the same texts differently is the basis for new denominations arising even in the same
religion.

And the flood covered the whole land.

SharingInterpretationsbringsunity.
It is the sharing of a traditional set of interpretations that gives a religion unity, but even within a given religion
the interpretations may change over time.

CulturalrelativisticversusethnocentricinterpretationsOriginal meanings versus

interpretations that are meaningful to later peoples.

Languagechangesbringreligiouschanges.
Since language itself changes with time, religious understandings may change for purely linguistic reasons.

Avoid the very appearance of evil.

II.DiversityWithinReligion
GeographicalDiversity.

Dutch versus other Catholics

SocialDiversity
For example the top versus the bottom of social status and their religion.

Theology School and Sunday School

Changeovertime.

Brigham Young and modesty

Southern Baptists and Slavery

III.AttitudesTowardDiversity
Hinduism

Judaism(orthopraxis)
Two Jews, tree opinions

Christianity
Heresy and Orthodoxy
IV.LanguageinReligiousPractice
LiturgicalOrders
More or less invariant sequences encoded by persons other than the performers.

Restrictedversuselaboratedcodes

Linguistictaboos(antirituals)

Sanctityasexpressionoftheunspokenorder
The sacred as not to be questioned.

V. Language in Ritual
Prayer

Songandchant

Exhortation

Recitingthecode(liturgicalresponses)

Glossolalia

VI.ParadoxinReligiousThought
Originofhumans
Anthropomorphic creators

Christianityandtheproblemofevil

VII.SacredTexts
Oraltexts

Writtentexts

Sacredness of the texts

Islam and Arabic

Hebrew burial of worn texts

Translating Ancient texts

Canon (which documents are sacred

Textual basis (which early version)

Interpretation (meaning of the ancient language)

Style (e.g., literal or idiomatic; formal or informal)

VIII.LanguageandIdealology
MaxMueller
Religion as disease of language

LinguisticRelativity
Creation itself demands a creator

ImagecourtesyofJenniferJorgensen

Interpretation of stories.
The cabinet engravings tell the story of Buddha becoming enlightened (right) and Buddha in the
former existence. Museum, Doi Suthep, Thailand.

ImagecourtesyofBryanSpykerman

Sacred Religious Texts and Commentaries.

Sacred religious texts usually include both scriptures that are regarded as having an inspired
origin and later religious commentaries on those texts that are viewed as authoritative
interpretations of those scriptures.

These young monks in the Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet are reciting prayers from sacred texts.
ImagecourtesyofJenniferJorgensen

Interpretation of stories.

Many Wats are decorated with art on their walls. This art tells important historical stories. Royal
Palace Grounds, Bangkok, Thailand.
Image courtesy of Jennifer Jorgensen

Interpretation of stories.

The White Elephant is a legendary character in the Thai tradition. This particular story tells of
the king placing religious artifacts on the back of the White Elephant and setting it free. The
elephant wondered for a long time and finally stopped on the top of a mountain where it then
collapsed from exhaustion. The kings then built a Wat on top of the mountain. Thai tradition
interprets the story to mean the elephant sacrificed its life to find a suitable place for the artifacts.
Doi Suthep, Thailand.

Chapter7

Reading Assignment: Chapter 7, Religious Ritual

As you read, consider the following questions and/or ideas:

Whatarethepsychologicalandsocialfunctionsofritual?
Whydopeoplepracticerituals?
Howcouldmagicbeboth"false"and"useful"atthesametime?
Howdoritualssymbolizethestressesandtensionsofsociallife?

Video Lectures

IntroductiontoReligiousRitual(WMV)(MOV)

MormonSacrament(WMV)(MOV)

ParticipationinRituals(WMV)(MOV)

RitualsintheHumanLifecycle(WMV)(MOV)

RitualsasSacredUnderwritingofIdeology(WMV)(MOV)

RitualasInfluence(WMV)(MOV)

TechnologicalRituals(WMV)(MOV)

RitualsasTherapyandAntiTherapy(WMV)(MOV)

SalvationRituals(WMV)(MOV)
 MysticismandSalvationinRituals(WMV)(MOV)

ManipulationandPetition(WMV)(MOV)

ShoshoneLoveMagic(WMV)(MOV)

Conclusiontochapter7(WMV)(MOV)

Additional Resources

Ritualshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ritual
Pilgrimageshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilgrimage

Chapter7LectureNotes
ReligiousRitual

I.RitualandMeaning
Communicationwithoutinformation.
Reaffirmation through predictability

Ritualscommunicatestatuschange.

Holy Orders

II.RitualasScaredUnderwritingofIdeology
UltimateSacredPostulates
The most sacred beliefs that define the essential basis of an ideology

Ritualasgroundofsanctity
Participation transforms nonconformity into hypocrisy
III.RitualasInfluence
TechnologyRituals
Divination, fertility of crops, protection

TherapyandAntitherapy

Salvation
Spirit possession, mystical experience, becoming a shaman or prophet

Egypt and Mummy

ManipulationandPetition

Magic: Law of Similarity and Law of Contagion

Shoshone love magic

Worship

IV. Ritual and Social Unity

Participationisareligiousactandanactofloyaltytothevaluescommunicated
bytheritual.

Pilgrimage as reenactment

Languagechangeandreligiousmeaning

2 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from the very appearance of evil

ImagecourtesyofJenniferJorgensen

Pilgrimage as ritual of social unity.

Buddhists of Thailand make pilgrimages form all over to visit the Shrine of the Emerald Buddha
located on the Royal Palace Grounds, Bangkok, Thailand. When they kneel in front of any image
of the Buddha, they are careful not to point the soles of their feet at the image.


ImagecourtesyofJenniferJorgensen

Technology rituals.

After their first sale of the day, Thai market merchants tap the items in their store with the money
from the sale to bring good fortune and increase sales. Bangkok, Thailand.

ImagecourtesyofBryanSpykerman

Shamanic Divination Ritual.

This shaman is reading the palm of a client at Batu Caves in Malaysia. Divination, like curing, is
a common part of the shamanic cult institutions of religions throughout the world.


ImagecourtesyofBryanSpykerman

Expiation Rituals.

This man shows his devotion by having skewered his cheeks at the Hindu Thaipusam festival,
Batu Caves, Malaysia.

Chapter8

Reading Assignment: Chapter 8, Religious Social Organization

As you read, consider the following questions and/or ideas:

Howdoshamans,priests,andprophetsdiffer?
Whatcausestheprofessionalizationofreligiousspecialistsandthedecliningroleofcharisma?
Doesgrowthinevitablychangethenatureofreligiousorganizationsandleadership?
Isreligiousideologybestdefinedbythebeliefsofreligiousspecialistsorthebeliefsofother
followers,andhowisitpossibleforthetwotodiffer?
Video Lectures

IntroductiontoReligiousSocialOrganization:CultInstitutions(WMV)(MOV)

Practitioners(WMV)(MOV)

Shamans(WMV)(MOV)

FiveTypesofIllnessesHealedbyShamans(WMV)(MOV)

SoulLoss(WMV)(MOV)

SpiritPossession(WMV)(MOV)

ObjectIntrusion(WMV)(MOV)

SorceryandWitchcraft(WMV)(MOV)

TabooViolation(WMV)(MOV)

Sorcerers(WMV)(MOV)

Priests(WMV)(MOV)

Prophets(WMV)(MOV)

Sect,Cult,andChurch(WMV)(MOV)

Conclusiontochapter8(WMV)(MOV)

Additional Resources

DefinitionofCulthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult_%28religion%29
DefinitionofSorcererhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorcerers
DefinitionofPriesthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priest
DefinitionofProphethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prophet

 Chapter8LectureNotes
ReligiousSocialOrganization

I.CultInstitutions

Anthony Wallace

II.Practitioners
Shamans

Soul Loss

Spirit Possession

Object Intrusion

Sorcery and Witchcraft

Taboo Violation

Sorcerers

Priests

Prophets

II. Religious Social Organizations

Shamanic Religions

Communal Religions

Ecclesiastical Religions
IV.DenominationalSizeandSupportforSocietalValues
SectsandCults

UFO Church

Churches

ImagecourtesyofBryanSpykerman
This woman is paying respects to Buddhist monks, perhaps asking for a blessing during an
annual event in northern Thailand when offerings are given to the local monastery.

They give practical things like buckets of food, soap, toothpaste, etc. The givers gain merit and
the monks who can not handle money or own property get things they can use.

Chapter9

Reading Assignment: Chapter 9, Religion and Society

As you read, consider the following questions and/or ideas:

Religion,politics,andthesocialorder
Statechurchesandcivilreligion
Religionandeconomics
Religionandgender
Video Lectures

IntroductiontoReligionandSociety(WMV)(MOV)

ReligionandtheSocialOrderAmongtheAboriginalAustralians(WMV)(MOV)

ReligiousRitualinLargeScaleSocieties(WMV)(MOV)

ReligionandPolitics(WMV)(MOV)

CivilReligion(WMV)(MOV)

ExamplesofCivilReligion(WMV)(MOV)

ReligionandEconomics(WMV)(MOV)

HinduJatis(WMV)(MOV)

Weber's"ProtestantEthic"(WMV)(MOV)

ReligionandGender(WMV)(MOV)

GenderStratification(WMV)(MOV)

EconomicsandGenderStratification(WMV)(MOV)

Women'sCults(WMV)(MOV)

ImpactofSocioeconomicFactorsonReligiousStatus(WMV)(MOV)

Conclusiontochapter9(WMV)(MOV)

Additional Resources

Cultshttp://www.questia.com/Index.jsp?CRID=cults&OFFID=sel&KEY=cults
DefinitionofTheocracyhttp://www.cqpress.com/context/articles/epr_theo.html
Sumerhttp://historyworld.org/sumeria.htm
ArgumentforstatetheocraciesintheU.S.http://atheism.about.com/b/a/019207.htm
Separationofchurchandstatehttp://atheism.about.com/od/churchstate/
Medievaltheocraciesinamodernagehttp://weekly.ahram.org.eg/1998/399/op5.htm
HinduJatishttp://www.kamakoti.org/hindudharma/part20/chap1.htm

 Chapter9LectureNotes
ReligionandSociety

I.ReligionandSocialOrder
ReligionandPolitics

Theocracies: Ancient Sumer

Religion and political loyalty

Politicians and religion

CivilReligion

ReligionandEconomics

Hindu jatis

Webers Protestant Ethic

Calvinism and work

II.ReligionandGender
Genderinreligion

Shamanism

Gender stratification: Melanesia and Australia

Womens Cults (spirit possession)

Image courtesy of Jennifer Jorgensen

Religion and politics.

In Thailand, images of the king are frequently found on huge displays along the roadsides and in
homes of the people. He is seen as a political and religious figure. The people have great respect
for the king and his leadership. Ayutthaya, Thailand.
Image courtesy of Bryan Spykerman

Image courtesy of Bryan Spykerman

Buddhist initiation of boys in Mae Hong Song NW Thailand.

Chapter10

Reading Assignment: Chapter 10, Religious Adaptation and Change

As you read, consider the following questions and/or ideas:

Whatroledoesreligionplayinthesurvivalofasociety?
TheadaptivefunctionsoftheHebrewforbiddenpig
TheadaptivefunctionsoftheHindusacredcow

Video Lectures

IntroductiontoReligiousAdaptationandChange(WMV)(MOV)

ChangesinMormonModesty(WMV)(MOV)

AdaptationofReligiousSymbolism(WMV)(MOV)

SocietalHierarchiesandPerceptionsofDeity(WMV)(MOV)

Adaptation(WMV)(MOV)

Secularization(WMV)(MOV)

RevitalizationMovements(WMV)(MOV)

TheFutureofReligion(WMV)(MOV)

Conclusiontochapter10(WMV)(MOV)

Additional Resources

BiographyofEmileDurkheimhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emile_Durkheim
Durkheim'sTheorieshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emile_Durkheim#Theories_and_Ideas
WitchHuntshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witchhunt
IslamicFundamentalismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_fundamentalism
NativisticMovementshttp://alexm.here.ru/mirrors/www.enteract.com/jwalz/Eliade/195.html

 Chapter10LectureNotes
ReligiousAdaptationandChange
I. TheConservativeFunctionofReligion
Durkheimsinsight

WomenaswitchesduringtheInquisition

II.ReligiousChange
Secularization

Accommodation,Confrontation,andResistance

RevitalizationMovements

Nativistic Movements

Revitalization Process

Fundamentalist Movements: Response to Secularization

Islamic Fundamentalism

The Future of Religion