Final answer:
Religious symbols are representations that are either visual or spiritual in nature. They can carry multiple meanings and are central to expressing and reinforcing the beliefs and values within a religious community. Clifford Geertz's symbolic approach highlights their role in shaping community attitudes and behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Religious symbols exist as representations that are either visual or spiritual. In the context of religion, these symbols can stand for or represent various aspects of the faith, including beliefs, rituals, and myths. A visual symbol could be something like the Christian cross, which has become an emblem of Christianity itself, while spiritual symbols might represent more abstract concepts such as sacrifice, enlightenment, or purity found within religious narratives.
A notable characteristic of these representations is that they can be multivocal, meaning they may carry multiple meanings depending on how they are used and perceived by the audience. For instance, a religious practice may involve certain rituals that include the use of specific symbols with concrete goals as well as symbolic meanings, such as the white wedding dress typically symbolizing purity in the United States.
Clifford Geertz's symbolic approach to the study of religion suggests that religion can be seen as a system of symbols that effectively communicates the beliefs and values of a community, thereby shaping the attitudes and behaviors of its members.