♥ The Nature of Religion

* universal
* pervasive phenomenon
* part of cultural system

     Religion is interwoven with social, economic, and political life of the people. It is properly one of the areas of interest to a sociologist because of its influence on the individual and its function in society. A sociologist’s main concern in the study of religion is not to establish the truth or falsity of a certain religion but to look into its structure, organization, and role and to observe how its affects and influences an individual or society

♥ What is Religion?

     Religion comes from the Latin word religare, which means “to bind together”. Religion also means different things to different people because it is a preliterate in societies.

Some Philosopher defines Religion as:

1. Durkheim

-         Defines religion as unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden – beliefs and practices which unite into one single moral community called church.

2. Evans – Pritchard

-         Religion embodies beliefs or representations with express the nature of sacred things as well as rites prescribing how a person should behave in the presence of sacred objects.

3. Nisbet

-         A strong manner that the deepest roots of any religion lies in the experience of the social and moral community which professes it.  The togetherness in worship satisfies human craving and his may be found in universal religions like Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity and Islam.

4. Giddens

-         All religion involves a set of symbols which arouses feeling of reverence or awe and are linked to rituals or ceremonial such as church service practiced by a community of believers. Example of a ceremonial is Baptismal.

-         Rituals are repetitive sets of action and patterns of behavior in relation to the sacred for the regulation and ordering f social lives. Rituals acts may be in the form of prayers, singing, chanting, dancing and sharing certain fords. The rituals bring the believers of any given religion together.

♥ Religious Structures

            Throughout the ages and throughout the world, people have been baffled by the unknown and the mysteries of life for which they have no prepared answer. Science has provided answers to some questions but these remain certain fundamental questions unanswered, and these have became the focus of human religious activities. There are different beliefs in the world like the Totemism - worship of plants and animals and Animism – belief in spirits and souls of natural objects. In the Philippines, Aetas of Negros Oriental believe in Enkantos and even some Christian Filipinos believe on it. As time goes by, beliefs of the people changes because science provide answers to it.

♥ Religious Organization

1.      Ecclesia

•  -  It has an elaborate formal bureaucratic structure

       1.  herarchy of church officials
       2.  well-developed dogmas and ritual

•   - Emphasis is placed on the sacraments and he creed
•   - It is generally tolerant of secular affairs but it is usually intolerant of other religious groups.

  - It determines and stabilizes the social orders.

  Ex. Catholic Church in Spain

          Anglican in England

           Islam in Saudi Arabia 



 2.      Sect

•      It is usually a group that has broken away from a parent church
•      Dogmas and rituals are less develope
•      It is intolerant of secular world and other religious groups.

     Ex. Seventh day Adventists

           Jehovah’s Witnesses

           Mormons

3.      Denomination

•         Relatively stable group possessing a fairly well-developed formal organization
•         It is tolerant of secular affairs and other religious groups

       Ex. Iglesia ni Kristo

             Protestant (Methodist, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Baptists

             Philippine Independent Church(Aglipayan)

4.      Cult 

     

•      It is usually a small size group which is very loosely organized
•      The attraction centers around a dominant or charismatic leader.
•      It’s beliefs and rites deviate from the beliefs in the society

     Ex. Rizalista 

           Animists 

           Anti-Christ

♥ Science and Religion

     A number of persons believe that science and religion are in conflict with or are diametrically opposed to each other. The difference between religion and science concerns the question of evolution, creation and the Bible. But Christianity has not closed its doors to the study of question.

Science deals with observable phenomena and studies certain aspects of nature by empirical tests and observations in expounding the theory of evolution. Science ascertains the nature of the observable world while religion decides what is ultimately good. It is then possible for a person to believe in God yet be a good scientist.

♥ Functions & Dysfunctions of Religion

  Functions of Religion
     Religion has many functions for individual who believes in it and for society as a whole.

1. Religion gives one “peace of mind”.

  - For example, in times of crisis or when we have a problem, by communicating with our deity or through our prayers it satisfies our spiritual and emotional needs.

2. Religion allays the fears and anxieties of an individual by a=reassuring them of the care and protection of their deity.

  - It removes the fears and anxieties of an individual by giving them a comfort and consolation of their religion and by assuring them the love, care and protection of God.

3. Religion delineates what is wrong and right and prescribes a system of reward and punishment.

  - People realize what is right thing to do and what is wrong, what would be the good and bad. And they believe that by doing well, they will receive a reward which is the eternal life, and by doing a sin, they will be punish.

4. Religion integrates and promotes group solidarity.

- For example, in Catholicism, they were united to celebrate some special or traditional occasions, like “Misa de gallo”, “Misa de Aguinaldo”, Santacruzan Fiestas and etc.

5. Religion performs welfare, education and recreation functions

  - Religious Organizations carry out or build ip some welfare activities and social programs, and they also operate charitable institution, hospitals, orphanages, medical clinics and etc. They provide schools for the poor.


  Dysfunctions of Religion

• Religion can be divisive face in society
• It may be a disintegrating factor
• It may lead to personal disorganization.

♥ Religious Pluralism

     Religious pluralism

http://www.libertymagazine.org/index.php?id=1465    

    it is a loosely defined expression concerning acceptance of various religions, and is used in a number of related ways:

• As the name of the worldview according to which one's religion is not the sole and exclusive source of truth, and thus that at least some truths and true values exist in other religions.
• As acceptance of the concept that two or more religions with mutually exclusive truth claims are equally valid. This posture often emphasizes religion's common aspects.
• Sometimes as a synonym for ecumenism, i.e., the promotion of some level of unity, co-operation, and improved understanding between different religions or different denominations within a single religion.
• As term for the condition of harmonious co-existence between adherents of different religions or religious denominations.

Religious Affiliation

     More than half of the household population in North Cotabato were dominated by Roman Catholics comprising 547,895 or 57.23 percent. Others were 19.68 percent, Islam believers, 7.27 percent Evangelicals, 2.62 percent members of the Southern Baptist, 2.21 percent Iglesia Ni Cristo members, 2.01 percent Aglipayans, and 1.85 percent United Church of Christ in the Philippines members. About 6.82 percent were from other religious affiliations that included Protestant, Seventh Day Adventist, or other religions. 

Statistics by Diocese

• Catholic Population in the Philippines

♥ Malolos Constitution of 1987

The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines declares: The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable. (Article II, Section 6), and, No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights. (Article III, Section 5).

THE 1987 CONSTITUTION

OF THE

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

ARTICLE II

DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND STATE POLICIES

 PRINCIPLES

 Section 1. The Philippines is a democratic and republican State. Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them.

Section 2. The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations.

Section 3. Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory.

Section 4. The prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect the people. The Government may call upon the people to defend the State and, in the fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be required, under conditions provided by law, to render personal, military or civil service.

Section 5. The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy.

Section 6.The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.

STATE POLICIES

Section 7. The State shall pursue an independent foreign policy. In its relations with other states, the paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to self-determination.

Section 8. The Philippines, consistent with the national interest, adopts and pursues a policy of freedom from nuclear weapons in its territory.

Section 9. The State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all.

Section 10. The State shall promote social justice in all phases of national development.

Section 11. The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.

Section 12. The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception. The natural and primary right and duty of parents in the rearing of the youth for civic efficiency and the development of moral character shall receive the support of the Government.

Section 13. The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.

Section 14. The State recognizes the role of women in nation-building, and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men.

Section 15. The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.

Section 16. The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

Section 17. The State shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development.

Section 18. The State affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It shall protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare.

Section 19. The State shall develop a self-reliant and independent national economy effectively controlled by Filipinos.

Section 20. The State recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector, encourages private enterprise, and provides incentives to needed investments.

Section 21. The State shall promote comprehensive rural development and agrarian reform.

Section 22. The State recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities within the framework of national unity and development.

Section 23. The State shall encourage non-governmental, community-based, or sectoral organizations that promote the welfare of the nation.

Section 24. The State recognizes the vital role of communication and information in nation-building.

Section 25. The State shall ensure the autonomy of local governments.

Section 26. The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.

Section 27. The State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and take positive and effective measures against graft and corruption.

Section 28. Subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law, the State adopts and implements a policy of full public disclosure of all its transactions involving public interest.

♥ Separation of Church and State

     In the Philippines, in the Malolos Constitution of 1987, Article II Section 6 provides the “The Separation of Church and State.

     In the time former President Marcos, it was violated because of the government. They have acts of social injustice, violation of human rights and graft and corruption. We all know that President Marcos was the dictator during his term. And by that time, Church protest against the dictatorial rule of Marcos, that was the time that church claimed their duty when they say that church was out to grab power on the principle of the separation of church and state. In that, church says that in issues of human rights, violation and graft and corruption are moral issues that it was their duty of helping the down trodden and only upholding the dignity of the human when Bishop Bacani pointed out that when one views politics as the dynamic organization of the whole society, then priests can be involved. The church becomes partisan when truth and justice are violated.

♥ Folk Catholicism

Conversion of the country to Roman Catholicism happened already but rural people are still oriented toward local traditions and the pre-Christian beliefs in spirits and charms such as the mangkukulam, the anting-anting, the nuno sa punso, the aswang and the like. The rural folks continue to placate the malevolent spirits to whose displeasure they attribute disease, crop failures or any other catastrophe.

There are social anthropologists who used the term “folk Catholicism to describe this situation. A distinction was made between official Catholicism, non-official Catholicism and folk Catholicism.



1.Official Catholicism
-refers to the doctrines and rituals which are prescribed, approved of and maintained as normative.
Ex. Sign of the cross and Communion
2.Non-official Catholicism
-comprises the elements which are viewed as harmless but suspect an unorthodox by
officially designated church authorities.
Ex. Walking to the altar on one’s knees, going on pilgrimages, dancing before the image of the saints or wearing an habito or distinctive dress in honor of the Virgin Mary or some saints.
3.Folk Catholicism
- includes the non-official elements, but only where these beliefs or practices are o popular derivation and are sanctioned in the community where it is found.

Philosophers

1.Pal
- According to him the barrio folk revolves around the will of Bathala – their Supreme God. Everything which happens such as birth, marriage, death, good crops and accidents are attributed to the will of Bathala. This reflects the fatalistic attitude of people means believing that all things will happen by fate.
2.Arens
- According to him, there is a widespread observance of animistic rituals in planting, harvesting, fishing, building houses and taking care of the sick. Among them were stripping before planting and hanging a carabao’s horn or a cat’s paw to dissipate the threat of evil influences. There was widespread belief in encantados (spirits) residing in tress and the widespread use of anting-anting (amulets and talismans) with Christian prayers and beliefs.
3.Nydegger
- He made a similar observation in their study of Tarong, a barrio in the Ilocos people recognized God as omniponetent and supreme, their relation with him is powerless and remote as there is no contact with him except in the poblacion church.

♥ Split-Level Christianity

    

Split-Level Christianity is the Catholic principle of Justice and the feudal attitude the lord may tax those whom he protects. There is the alumnus of a Catholic school who marries and maintains a querida but forbids his wife to go out with another man and drives her out of the house on suspicion of unfaithfulness. The split is between the Catholic rules regarding marriage and the cultural norms.

♥ Faith Healing and the Occult

Occult is derived from Latin word occultus, means mysterious thing and practices related to supernatural forces beyond the five senses.

Including under Occult are the following:

1.practices and beliefs in astrology
2.magic
3.witchcraft
4.numerology
5.crystal ball gazing
6.spiritism
7.fortune telling


*Manghuhula
- a person who is believed to possess psychic power.
- who can foretell the future through the use of cards, palm reading or crystal ball gazing.

*Faith healer
- is a person who serves as a medium for healing energy.

♥ Religion, Social Change and Social Action

Like any other social institution, the Church has not escaped the impact of industrialization and modernization. The west has seen the rise of secularism, anticlericalism, materialism and the decline of supernaturalism. In the Philippines, in handling [problems and in the absence of definite solutions to these problems, some people turn to religion for social and psychological support. In the face of crisis or catastrophes like the earthquake in 1990, the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, Ormoc floods in 1991, and the red tide in 1992, people have been shaken and have asked the question “Is there a message being sent by God by these occurrences.

 Group 2

 (Members)