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Religion, Culture and Unchurched Spirituality

With religion being an unfamiliar subject to myself I wasn’t aware of the impact it had on todays society and culture as a whole. In this weeks lecture I learned […]

rel With religion being an unfamiliar subject to myself I wasn’t aware of the impact it had on todays society and culture as a whole. In this weeks lecture I learned about ‘unchurched spirituality’ and religion and culture and how they affected each other. In the tutorials we developed into more detail about the three theorists, named Max Weber, Bruce Lincoln and Karl Max who opposed various different views and attitudes to religion and the impact it has on society.

Max weber, one of the three theorists, believes that Christianity (Protestantism) played a significant factor towards the rise of capitalism in the western world which would thrive the work load of people who believed in this religion. Weber named this the ‘Protestant Ethic’. He firmly believed that religion could be an agent for social change and today’s society would revolve around peoples religious beliefs.

However, Carl Marx was against this case and believed the opposite to Weber. Carl Max believed that religion was used to categorise the rich and the poor for the rich to dominate the poor. Marx argued that religion is an illusion and is unnecessary part of today’s society it is a human creation ‘man made’ by god. He believed the religion deluded people into thinking that religion was a ranking that only certain people go to heaven, religion is named by carl marx as the ‘opium of people’ it allows people to think that only the rich can control and many people are left to accept there religious ways.

Bruce Lincoln partly agrees with Carl Marx’s attitude by supporting the idea of religion controlling society through power named as ‘hegemonic struggle’. He strongly believes that people must not accept all religious claims and ideas however, should be aware that they are there. In contrast to this Matt Waggoner believes that religion is a subjective imagination and is a myth and performance. He believes that the existence of religion is in fact a myth that controls power in society and that culture is based on religion.

Overall after further reading of all three theorists it is clear that religion has a very large impact on culture and society. I believe that the attitudes and beliefs of the theorists are in some ways different however, all agree that religion is a social change and impacted on culture as a whole.

In addition to this, I found unchurched spirituality a very interesting topic to consider the way religion can explore different in society especially in western countries. Unchurched spirituality is when people seek the help of spiritual guidance even if they are not associated to a particular religious group.

Furthermore, religion can provide a solution to social problems in todays society however, can be said to provide social goods to people. One solution to a social problem that religion provides is material claims for people in time of need through food, shelter and care of the vulnerable. Secondly, it provides people with claims of community where people feel welcome to talk about their problems with people of similar issues. Thirdly, religion can also protect individuals for their well being and make them feel better as a whole, they may feel more meaningful . On the other hand, religion can also be a cause of social problems by impacting on health as many people refuse to accept medical treatments as it goes against their religion. Another cause may be people will use religion as an act of conflict and promote violence against other religions. Lastly, people may use their religion as an act of kindness to promote their religion and void belief in anything else.

After this weeks lecture I will further my knowledge by completing further reading to develop a real understanding of religion and culture. I have learned that religion will always have some sort of impact on todays society and culture.

Societies and Lifestyles- week 3

This week in the lecture and tutorials with Lisa, I found the concepts of inclusion and equality very interesting as I was always under the impression that they were virtually the same thing. However, after this input, I feel that I now have a better understanding of what the two concepts are and how they are quite separate but still connected. I learned that inclusion means that everyone should be included but that equality is different as it is different from just being included in something. for example, equal opportunities for everyone, although everyone’s needs to be equal and included may be different but everyone’s needs should be catered for in order to be included and reach their full potential. I find this area of the course very interesting and look forward to learning a bit more next week in the lecture and tutorials. I will also read extra materials and do some research for myself in this area of the module.

Inclusion and Equality

Today I learned several different things, all of which interesting, few of which I fully understood. There was lots of information being thrown at me from all angles which I feel led to my comprehension of certain topics being a little hazy. I will start with something that I really need to work on, though … Continue reading Inclusion and Equality

I will start with something that I really need to work on, though maybe not as significant now, but I know nearer the exam I will be freaking about over it. Scholars. it is that simple, I just don’t get why there are so many names that I NEED to remember for one topic. I understand that relating opinion to theory is a major thing however, so I need to work on remembering (and learning) scholars and their views/work on that particular area.

Now for what I enjoyed the most, or what I understood the quickest. I really enjoyed learning about ‘The Equality Act 2010’ and also ‘Allport’s Scale of Prejudice and Discrimination’ as both were extremely interesting with both of them being new to me. Before the lecture I was unaware of both now however, I have went home and researched both more widely and come to learn more about them both, sparking my interest into looking at the rest of the module as a whole.

I feel okay in terms of learning Inclusion and Equality for the exam although I am well aware that I must work through example questions and research more thoroughly in order to gain the most out of today.

Unchurched Spirituality

It has taken me well over a week to comprehend what was taught in our last lecture. everything was said to fast and there was SO much information to take in all at once. Nevertheless, one thing discussed that intrigued me was the whole concept of unchurched spirituality. in the lecture, it was highlighted to … Continue reading Unchurched Spirituality

It has taken me well over a week to comprehend what was taught in our last lecture. everything was said to fast and there was SO much information to take in all at once. religiones

Nevertheless, one thing discussed that intrigued me was the whole concept of unchurched spirituality. in the lecture, it was highlighted to me just how little I knew of religion and the different ‘branches’ within. Take for example snake handling. Before the lecture I thought it was just some gag in the Simpsons however, I learned that it is a rea thing. Therefore, in order to broaden my knowledge, I have since went out and researched more widely on the topic. We also spoke of the criticisms of unchurched spirituality and how the concept is portrayed/seen throughout society.

I wish that there was more time within class to go over the topic of ‘Religion and Society’ as I am still unsure about certain aspects however, I am going to continue my research into the topic as to help me successfully pass the Society and Lifestyles module.

Inclusion and Equality

Yesterday was our first class on Inclusion and Equality. At the beginning of the lecture, we were asked to work with a partner and discuss the meaning of Inclusion and the meaning of Equality. I had thought that the two meant roughly the same thing, however, I soon learned that they had different meanings. I found out that inclusion helps the policies that support diversity and also give individuals a voice and choice. This is important because if we fail to promote this may lead to oppression. People who are at an advantage ignore the life experiences of those at a disadvantage because they do not have to deal with those realities.

Equality is making sure that each individual has fair equal rights. Equality often gets mistaken as meaning ‘sameness’ and not ‘fairness’.

I found yesterday very useful as I learned a lot which I was not aware of. I learned the real meaning of Inclusion and Equality. To further my knowledge of this I will engage in further reading.

Religion, Culture & Unchurched Spirituality

This week’s lecture focused on the relationship between Culture and Religion, and learning the modern concept of ‘Unchurched Spirituality’. One of the main points of interest for me about this week’s learning was looking into not only how religion influences culture, but how in fact culture influences religion. Reading the ideas of German sociologists Max … Continue reading Religion, Culture & Unchurched Spirituality

This week’s lecture focused on the relationship between Culture and Religion, and learning the modern concept of ‘Unchurched Spirituality’.

One of the main points of interest for me about this week’s learning was looking into not only how religion influences culture, but how in fact culture influences religion. Reading the ideas of German sociologists Max Weber (1864-1920) and Karl Marx (1818-1883), I learned two antagonising views on how religion impacted culture and society. With Weber proposing that the work ethic of Protestant denominations enabled the state of Capitalism to thrive in the Western world, he therefore saw religion as a social change and appraised religion as culture. Whereas Marx advanced the view that religion is unnecessary and used as a tool to oppress believers. Marx and his followers advocated a Communist state where religion was seen as the ‘opium of people’. Reading these contrasting views on religion as culture intrigued me as both have valid points, however I found myself ultimately agreeing with Matt Waggoner’s (2011) objective and neutral idea of viewing religion as a state of affairs rather than a state of mind.

Later moving on to our tutorial work, I had the opportunity to further develop my understanding and knowledge of ‘Unchurched Spirtuality’ and recognising its differing characteristics to ‘traditional’ religion. With further reading and investigating on the concept, I came to the conclusion that ‘unchurched spirituality’ has gained ground in modern society as a result of the decline of Christendom, also known as Secularisation. This can due to a number of factors including religion losing its presumed central place in society, modern education (scientific theories), reduced prioritisation of attending church, increase in leisure/technologies, etc. All of which relating to how a change in culture can then modify religion and make it less restrictive, allowing more room for flexibility i.e. Spirituality.

This section of Religion and Society has allowed me to enhance my understanding that for many in the world religion is a way of life and identity. I also appreciated learning that there are many modern forms of religion and faith in our society. Overall this week’s learning has strongly built on my comprehension of religion and society.

Societies and Lifestyles – Week 2 – 23/1/17

Week 2 – Religion, Culture and ‘Unchurched Spiritualties‘ Today was another huge learning curve for me. The lecture, independent task and tutorial were very fact based with a lot of knowledge and analysis to process. In the beginning we spoke how some people require religion as a sense of identity. It gives them a […]

Inclusion and Equality

inclusion-and-equality

In today’s lecture, we looked into the questions such as what is equality and what is inclsuion? In the seminar we explored different questions which related to these areas such as thinking of a time where you encountered someone being treated unfailry or not equally. Our group remebered at school that the word “gay” was often used agaisnt people negativley, however in todays socitey, being “gay” is accepted widely and through out many countries.

I found it enjoyable to explore terms such as inequality and exclusion to find out how miniorities and groups were specifically targetted and treated differently in 2017 and how we can change this as educators in the generations in the future we will be resposible for.

Inclusion and Equality

I thoroughly enjoyed today’s input which was based on inclusion and equality. Before today I considered myself to have a good understanding of the words inclusion and equality, however the lecture exemplified that there is a more significant in-depth definition behind inclusion and equality, and the impacts of these words on not just individuals, but … Continue reading Inclusion and Equality →

Today I learnt that the term ‘inclusion’ is the state of being included within society. Inclusion involves many policies and practises that pillars diversity, opportunity to share opinions and make our own choices, connections with culture and legitimisation. I was able to gain a deeper understanding of these key words in particularly diversity which in society comprises and involves communities, being enriched with different cultures, nationalities and religion. It important to bear in mind that we are not the same, we all develop through varying experiences, we are all unique and we all contribute something different to our community and world. Also within the term inclusion it is fundamental that individual abilities are always considered and ensuring that there are flexibilities to support everyone’s individual needs in a varying of contexts. Hence, inclusion is paramount for me as a student teacher/ perspective teacher to ensure that the classroom environment is adapted to suit and involve every pupil regardless of their individual needs and abilities.

The second key term introduced today was ’equality’ which is the affirm of being equal in status, rights, fairness and opportunities. Equality is again based around involvement and adapting, but rooted upon inclusion being consistent throughout society. I learnt that equality can be treated as fairness governing so that groups and individuals are not treated unjustly and that their views are not shunned away from society and fully included in general society.

During the independent study, I decided to research Penny McIntosh privilege concept. McIntosh wrote an academic paper based upon equality among the “White Privilege and Male Privilege”, her finding where no matter gender, religion, orientations or race everyone is entitled to same and rightness opportunities, moreover everyone within society should be able to participate in the same activities without being discriminate because of the same factors above.

As a student teacher/ perspective teacher it is vitally important to demonstrate to pupils that we are all equal but unique, we all contribute something different to the world whether it is skills, abilities or culture, emphasising to pupils that we must respect and include each other regardless of gender, religion and race.

Today really did enlightened me to ‘equality and inclusion’ and I look forward to learn more about this insightful topic in next week inputs.

References

Mcintosh, Penny (1988). White Privilege and Male Privilege. Available at: http://www.collegeart.org/pdf/diversity/white-privilege-and-male-privilege.pdf (Accessed: 30 January 2017).

Society & Lifestyles Week 3

In todays lecture, tutorial and independent study task I learned about inclusion and equality. I learned what inclusion is the three levels of inclusion and its importance. I also learned about the Advantages and what Peggy Mclntosh view was about this “privilege” as she called it. I was able to look into this in more detail within the independent study task as I had the opportunity to research Peggy Mclntosh. I also learned what Equality is and raw opportunities, outcomes and conditions of equality. We looked into the five key dimensions of the equality of condition which are Resources, Respect and Recognition, Love Care and Solidarity, Power, Working and learning. I was able to learn about the Equality Act 2010 and the nine characteristics this Act protected against discrimination which are, Age, Disability, Gender reassignment, Marriage and Civil partnership, Pregnancy and Maternity, Race, Religion or Belief, Sex and Sexual Orientation.