Question

Sociologists define religion as:

A. a cultural system of commonly shared beliefs and rituals that provides a sense of meaning and purpose by creating an idea of reality that is sacred, all-encompassing, and supernatural.

B. a social system in which the state interacts with clergy and creates a merger between mythology and law.

C. an institution defined by a common mythology and an expectation of faith in one or more deities.

D. a deeply ingrained connection with the divine.

Answer 1

Sociologists view religion as a unified system of beliefs and practices related to sacred things that serve as a cultural universal present in all societies. The correct option is A. a cultural system of commonly shared beliefs and rituals that provides a sense of meaning and purpose by creating an idea of reality that is sacred, all-encompassing, and supernatural.

Step-by-step explanation:

Sociologists define religion as a complex social institution that includes a variety of beliefs, values, and practices centered on questions of sacred and spiritual significance. One influential definition by French sociologist Émile Durkheim characterizes religion as a "unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things." In various cultures, even among those who are nonreligious or identify as "nones," such beliefs and values remain significant, reflecting a cultural universal aspect of human societies. Whether through a functionalist, conflict, or interactionist lens, sociologists see religion as integral to the social fabric, influencing and shaping the norms, values, and structures within different communities. Practices such as funeral rites demonstrate how religion permeates societal norms, and how these are deeply embedded in various social groups and cultures.