Final answer:
Religion and religious ideas, through the lens of the symbolic-interaction approach, are studied as social constructs rooted in sacred symbols and interactions that shape and reflect the meanings, values, and identities within a community.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the symbolic-interaction approach, we would study how religion and religious ideas are dynamic social constructs with meanings and interpretations that vary between individuals and communities. In this approach, religion is understood through its sacred symbols, such as the Star of David, the Christian cross, and the crescent and star in Islam, as these are central in shaping the religious experiences of adherents. Symbolic interactionists are particularly interested in the everyday interactions between individuals, the role of religion in daily life, and how religious values are expressed in social interactions.
The symbols and their interpretations play a crucial role in conveying religious beliefs which, Clifford Geertz argues, act to establish powerful and long-lasting motivations and moods. The interactionist perspective argues that these symbols are not inherently sacred but are deemed sacred through the social interactions and shared meanings within a community. Symbols also reflect and reinforce the cultural values and group identities of those participating in religious practices.