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<blockquote class="definition">'''Religion''' is an [[Ideological Institution]] setup and organized by the [[Accumulating Class]]es to satisfy one or more of our [[Seven Essential Needs]] by providing [[The System|System]] friendly satisfactions.
<blockquote class="definition">'''Religion''' is a complicated and flexible human institution typically setup by members of the [[Accumulating Class]] (think Roman Emperor Constantine), ostensibly to meet [[Essential Needs]] and [[Non-essential Needs]], but more likely to be part of the [[Regime of Accumulation]]'s [[Mechanisms of Compliance]]. </blockquote>
</blockquote>
 
==Subclasses==
 
[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a subclass of::Religion]]}}


==Syncretic Terms==
==Syncretic Terms==


[[Colonized Spirituality]] > {{#ask:[[Is a syncretic term::Colonized Spirituality]]}}
[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a syncretic term::Religion]]}}
 
[[Ideological Institution]] > {{#ask:[[Is a syncretic term::Ideological Institution]]}}


==Related LP Terms==
==Related LP Terms==
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[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a related term::Religion]]}}
[[Religion]] > {{#ask:[[Is a related term::Religion]]}}


==Other Definitions==
== Notes ==


We can break sociological definitions of religion into two categories ''substantive'' and ''functional.''
A typical religious institution consists of social, ritual/practical, experiential, narrative/mythic, doctrinal, ethical/legal, material, and healing dimensions all geared toward the satisfaction of various human needs.<ref>Mike Sosteric, “What Is Religion” 2022, https://www.academia.edu/80934448/What_is_Religion</ref>


'''Substantive definitions''' revolve around the content (or substance) of a religion. Like, religion is the belief in spiritual beings<ref>Tylor, Edward. ''Primitive Culture''. London: John Murray, 1903. Note, Tylor's theory later criticized as evolutionary and ethnocentric (not all religions believe in or emphasize "spiritual beings" (Confucianism). Distinguished between "primitive" and "modern" spirituality, lower versus higher forms.</ref> '''What religion is.'''
Religion is often co-opted and controlled by members of the [[Accumulating Class]]. In this case, religion functions, in addition to an institution which meets various human needs, as an [[Ideological Institution]] (and sometimes [[Symbol Factory]] designed to help propagate a specific [[Existential Narrative]].  


Sociologists and others who have provided substantive definitions -> {{#ask:[[Had a substantive definition of::Religion]]}}
Religion may be broken down into two sub-classes, [[Elite Religion]] and [[Authentic Religion]]. Elite religion prioritizes the needs of the [[Accumulating Class]] while [[Authentic Religion]] prioritizes [[Healing]], [[Connection]], and the [[Seven Essential Needs]] of humanity.


'''Functional definitions''' "describe the utility of the effect of that religion" on individuals and society.<ref>Furseth, Inger, and Pål Repstad. ''An Introduction to the Sociology of Religion: Classical and Contemporary Perspectives''. Aldershot, England: Ashgate Publishing Limited, 2006. p. 16.</ref> '''What religion does.'''
Religion is a notoriously difficult concept to pin down and, frankly, scholars have said some really stupid shit about it over the years, [[Sigmund Freud]] being a classic example. Freud believed that religion arises as a consequence of


Sociologists and others who have provided functional definitions -> {{#ask:[[Had a functional definition of::Religion]]}}
# an expression of the son-father relationship (see totem and taboo, related to religions where "totem animals" become sacred)<ref>Freud, Sigmund. ''The Future of an Illusion''. New York: Anchor Books, 1961. p. 21</ref>
 
# the need to defend oneself against the "crushingly superior force of nature."<ref>Freud, Sigmund. ''The Future of an Illusion''. New York: Anchor Books, 1961. p. 21</ref>
== Notes ==
# The "urge to rectify the shortcoming of civilization..."<ref>Freud, Sigmund. ''The Future of an Illusion''. New York: Anchor Books, 1961. p. 21</ref>
 
Religions satisfy our [[Cognitive Needs]] to know and understand by providing [[Regime of Accumulation]] friendly answers.  


Religions are typically constructed by elite members of the [[Accumulating Class]] for the purposes of social control. 
=== Other Definitions ===


* Zoroastrianism co-opted by Aradashir.<ref>Sosteric, Mike. “From Zoroaster to Star Wars, Jesus to Marx: The Art, Science, and Technology of Human Manipulation,” . <nowiki>https://www.academia.edu/34504691</nowiki>.</ref>
"Religion tends to be conceptualized as an external, community-based phenomena in which a particular organized set of beliefs, behaviors, and rituals are institutionalized by individuals sharing similar spiritualities."<ref>Hodge, David R. “The Intrinsic Spirituality Scale: A New Six-Item Instrument for Assessing the Salience of Spirituality as a Motivational Construct.” ''Journal of Social Service Research'' 30, no. 1 (January 1, 2003): 41–61. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1300/J079v30n01_03</nowiki>. 42</ref>
*Co-optation of progressive Christianity by Constantine<ref>Sosteric, Mike. “Rethinking the Origins and Purpose of Religion: Jesus, Constantine, and the Containment of Global Revolution.” ''Athens Journal of Social Sciences'' 9, no. 1 (2020): 69–88.</ref> 
*Tarot created by Freemasons as an ideological tool for Capitalists.<ref>Sosteric, Mike. “A Sociology of Tarot.” ''Canadian Journal of Sociology'' 39, no. 3 (2014). <nowiki>https://www.academia.edu/25055505/</nowiki>.</ref> 
*The Aztecs using  their cosmological order to support, I think, a four-class political system, and a productive system with a focus on excellence and productivity. <ref>Carrasco, David, and Scott Sessions. ''Daily Life of the Aztecs''. London: Greenwood Press, 1998.</ref> Rulers, warriors, merchants, and commoners (farmers, stonecutters, caprenters, shopkeepers, clay workers candlesellers, etc.... Interesting that the Aztec religious rituals were also used to instruct the "next generation" of rulers. At the coronation ceremony, the new Aztec big-guy was metaphorically instructed about his primary responsibility, which was to maintain social caste order and social cohesion, and also to engage in Imperial wars.   
<blockquote>The new ruler is warned about coming problems: "In thy time there will be disunity, quarreling in thy city. No more wilt thou be esteemed, no more wilt thou be regarded. Also war will move upon thee." But the ruler is encouraged to stand up to all troubles, for he is the living, present image of the god who governs all things: "Put forth all thy effort, give all, put forth all thy spirit. Sigh, be sad; call out in sadness to our lord, to the lord of the near, of the nigh... . Be not a fool. May thou not speak hurriedly, may thou not interrupt, may thou not confound. Take yet, grasp yet, arrive yet at the truth, for, it is said and it is true, thou art the replacement, thou art the image of the lord of the near, of the nigh....As the living image of the god who is close to all living things, the ruler's chief job is to ensure order, arrangement, and proper location so that the Aztec way of life can continue in the face of real dangers. <ref>Carrasco, David, and Scott Sessions. ''Daily Life of the Aztecs''. London: Greenwood Press, 1998. p. 136.</ref>


Aztec rituals also guided the thoughts and actions of merchants and warriors. </blockquote>This definition excludes grass roots [[Connection Framework]], spiritual systems rooted in [[Connection Experience]]. As soon as a [[Connection Framework]]  is infiltrated and co-opted by members of the [[Accumulating Class]], the spiritual system transforms into a [[Religion]].
==Quotes==


== Origins ==
"Every fully developed religion exists simultaneously on several different levels. It exists as a set of abstract concepts about the world and its governance. It exists as a set of rites and sacraments, as a traditional method for manipulating the symbols, by means of which beliefs  about the cosmic order are expressed. It exists as the feelings of love, fear and devotion evoked by this manipulation of symbols.


[[Sigmund Freud]] suggests religious ideas arise from
And finally it exists as a special kind of feeling or intuition—a sense of the oneness of all things in their divine principle, a realization (to use the language of Hindu theology) that “thou art That,” a mystical experience of what seems self-evidently to be union with God."<ref>Aldous Huxley, “Chapter Twenty-Four: 1961 Letters,” in Moksha (Rochester, Vermont: Park Street Press, 1999).</ref>
 
# an expression of the son-father relationship (see totem and taboo, related to religions where "totem animals" become sacred)<ref>Freud, Sigmund. ''The Future of an Illusion''. New York: Anchor Books, 1961. p. 21</ref>
# the need to defend oneself against the "crushingly superior force of nature."<ref>Freud, Sigmund. ''The Future of an Illusion''. New York: Anchor Books, 1961. p. 21</ref>
# The "urge to rectify the shortcoming of civilization..."<ref>Freud, Sigmund. ''The Future of an Illusion''. New York: Anchor Books, 1961. p. 21</ref>


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[[Is a related term::Exoteric Religion| ]]
[[Is a related term::Exoteric Religion| ]]
[[Is a related term::Esoteric Religion| ]]
[[Is a related term::Esoteric Religion| ]]
[[Is a syncretic term::Colonized Spirituality| ]]
[[Is a related term::Elite Religion| ]]
[[Is a syncretic term::Ideological Institution| ]]
[[Is a related term::Authentic Religion| ]]
[[Is a related term::Elite Spirituality| ]]
[[Is a related term::Authentic Spirituality| ]]
[[Is a related term::Mainstream Spirituality| ]]
[[Is a related term::Colonized Spirituality| ]]
[[Is a related term::Elite Religion| ]]
[[Is an::Ideological Institution| ]]
[[Is a related term::Boundary Problem| ]]
[[Is a related term::Boundary Fetish| ]]

Latest revision as of 12:44, 21 November 2024

Religion is a complicated and flexible human institution typically setup by members of the Accumulating Class (think Roman Emperor Constantine), ostensibly to meet Essential Needs and Non-essential Needs, but more likely to be part of the Regime of Accumulation's Mechanisms of Compliance.

Subclasses

Religion > Authentic Religion, Elite Religion

Syncretic Terms

Religion > Comprehensive Framework

Related LP Terms

Religion > Boundary Fetish, Boundary Problem, Narrative, Sacrilization

Non-LP Related Terms

Religion > Boundary Fetish, Boundary Problem, Narrative, Sacrilization

Notes

A typical religious institution consists of social, ritual/practical, experiential, narrative/mythic, doctrinal, ethical/legal, material, and healing dimensions all geared toward the satisfaction of various human needs.[1]

Religion is often co-opted and controlled by members of the Accumulating Class. In this case, religion functions, in addition to an institution which meets various human needs, as an Ideological Institution (and sometimes Symbol Factory designed to help propagate a specific Existential Narrative.

Religion may be broken down into two sub-classes, Elite Religion and Authentic Religion. Elite religion prioritizes the needs of the Accumulating Class while Authentic Religion prioritizes Healing, Connection, and the Seven Essential Needs of humanity.

Religion is a notoriously difficult concept to pin down and, frankly, scholars have said some really stupid shit about it over the years, Sigmund Freud being a classic example. Freud believed that religion arises as a consequence of

  1. an expression of the son-father relationship (see totem and taboo, related to religions where "totem animals" become sacred)[2]
  2. the need to defend oneself against the "crushingly superior force of nature."[3]
  3. The "urge to rectify the shortcoming of civilization..."[4]

Other Definitions

"Religion tends to be conceptualized as an external, community-based phenomena in which a particular organized set of beliefs, behaviors, and rituals are institutionalized by individuals sharing similar spiritualities."[5]

Quotes

"Every fully developed religion exists simultaneously on several different levels. It exists as a set of abstract concepts about the world and its governance. It exists as a set of rites and sacraments, as a traditional method for manipulating the symbols, by means of which beliefs about the cosmic order are expressed. It exists as the feelings of love, fear and devotion evoked by this manipulation of symbols.

And finally it exists as a special kind of feeling or intuition—a sense of the oneness of all things in their divine principle, a realization (to use the language of Hindu theology) that “thou art That,” a mystical experience of what seems self-evidently to be union with God."[6]

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Mike Sosteric, “What Is Religion” 2022, https://www.academia.edu/80934448/What_is_Religion
  2. ↑ Freud, Sigmund. The Future of an Illusion. New York: Anchor Books, 1961. p. 21
  3. ↑ Freud, Sigmund. The Future of an Illusion. New York: Anchor Books, 1961. p. 21
  4. ↑ Freud, Sigmund. The Future of an Illusion. New York: Anchor Books, 1961. p. 21
  5. ↑ Hodge, David R. “The Intrinsic Spirituality Scale: A New Six-Item Instrument for Assessing the Salience of Spirituality as a Motivational Construct.” Journal of Social Service Research 30, no. 1 (January 1, 2003): 41–61. https://doi.org/10.1300/J079v30n01_03. 42
  6. ↑ Aldous Huxley, “Chapter Twenty-Four: 1961 Letters,” in Moksha (Rochester, Vermont: Park Street Press, 1999).







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