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Introduction to Sociology 3e

Key Terms

Introduction to Sociology 3eKey Terms
animism
the religion that believes in the divinity of nonhuman beings, like animals, plants, and objects of the natural world
atheism
the belief in no deities
cults
religious groups that are small, secretive, and highly controlling of members and have a charismatic leader
denomination
a large, mainstream religion that is not sponsored by the state
ecclesia
a religion that is considered the state religion
established sects
sects that last but do not become denominations
liberation theology
the use of a church to promote social change via the political arena
megachurch
a Christian church that has a very large congregation averaging more than 2,000 people who attend regular weekly services
monotheism
a religion based on belief in a single deity
polytheism
a religion based on belief in multiple deities
religion
a system of beliefs, values, and practices concerning what a person holds to be sacred or spiritually significant
religious beliefs
specific ideas that members of a particular faith hold to be true
religious experience
the conviction or sensation that one is connected to “the divine”
religious rituals
behaviors or practices that are either required for or expected of the members of a particular group
sect
a small, new offshoot of a denomination
totemism
the belief in a divine connection between humans and other natural beings
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