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These are one assignment and discussion. Assignment has 46 question. Discussion 2 question. I send you all the materials on this subject.
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Attached.
Cultural Anthropology
Religion
How do we define religion?
1.) It is a cultural system where people believe in powers or deities with abilities which
transcend the whole world.
2.) It is a myth or a story that explains the meaning and the purpose of life.
3.) A collection of ritual practices which reinforce the set of beliefs.
4.) A system in which symbols are used in a religious exercise to represent specific tenets of
faith.
5.) The key specialists who guide average believers.
6.) The organizations which teach, explore, implement, and conserve religious beliefs.
What are the five main functions of religion? List and briefly explain each one.
1.) To explain the natural world- the various beliefs offered by religion help people
understand the various uncontrollable events, the origin of the universe allows
them to have some sense of control.
2.) To heal and release emotional tension- participants who engage in religious rituals
find solace and relief. They free themselves from worry and any emotional
tension more so when the confess to a partner, and in return, they are offered
rehabilitation.
3.) It creates cohesion- kinships and local communities have built and strengthened
their unity through religious practices. Some of the leaders also have been
perceived to have divine powers and act as a symbol of unity, thus promoting
social cohesion in their societies.
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Cultural Anthropology
Religion
4.) Exercise social control. Religion sets laws and regulations to guide the behavior
and code of conduct in the society which people should follow and define
punishment for anyone who violates the stipulated rules.
5.) Offers an avenue for adaptation to the environment and economic changesreligious rituals like the slaughtering of pigs maintained the balance in the
ecosystem and fostered the symbiotic relationship between pigs and humans.
What is animism?
This is believing in the existence of souls within the body. Believers believe that it is the soul
that gives life to the body. It is mostly practiced in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
What is animatism?
This is a belief that all things have a spirit in them. For example, when people ascribe their
consciousness to a thunderstorm.
What is polytheism?
It is the belief in the existence of many gods. In some cases, among the gods, there is one god
considered to be the supreme, and all devotion is focused on him. Examples are Hinduism and
Buddhism.
What is monotheism?
The belief in the existence of one God, the creator of the whole universe, and is all powerful. For
example, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.
What is ancestor worship?
The belief in respect and honor for the ancestors since they influence the lives of their
descendants. In such worship, the descendants perform rituals to appease their ancestors, and the
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Cultural Anthropology
Religion
ancestors respond by blessing them and protecting them from misfortunes. Failure to appease the
ancestors may lead to bad luck and illness to the descendants.
What is mana?
A supernatural force which gives people and other living things special powers. For example, a
rabbit foot which one may carry to have good luck or special knowledge.
What is totemism?
It is a system of belief where people believe that they descended from spirit beings. These
ancestors were either humans or animals, and they protected and advised human beings in
ancient times; therefore, people continue to owe them respect and gratitude so that they continue
to protect and guide them.
What is a secret society?
This is an organization where members take an oath not to share any activities, information,
functions, and the membership of the organization with non-members. In some cases, society
may not reveal its existence.
What is a medium?
A person with special gifts ...
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