5.1: Chapter Introduction and Objectives
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Chapter Introduction & Objectives
Aggregated from Chapter 6 in David Dorrell OER (1 of 2): Introduction to Human Geography edited by Dorrell & Henderson, Published by University of North Georgia University Press. https://web.ung.edu/media/university-press/human-geography_v2.pdf?t=1700179494361
By the end of this section, the student will be able to:
1. Understand: the significance of religion as a historical spatial phenomenon
2. Explain: the significance of sacred spaces and places to understandings of culture locally, regionally, and globally
3. Describe: the hearths and diffusion patterns of the major religions of the world
4. Connect: religious belief and values to trade, colonialism, and empire
Chapter 5: The Geography of Religion
Introduction
Religion is a significant cultural characteristic, closely tied to individual identity. It can foster a sense of community, provide moral standards, and influence architecture. Conversely, it can also lead to social discord and political instability. Beyond metaphysical explanations, religion serves as a governing philosophy and an organizing cosmology.
Global Distribution of Religions
There are many different religions across the globe. Some are more influential, covering a greater geographic area, than others. Christianity and Islam comprise over half of the world's population, while the unaffiliated category includes a large, diverse group of people who do not identify with any religion. Hinduism is primarily concentrated in the Indian subcontinent. We also have a number of folk and traditional religions that encompass various indigenous practices, and "Other" categories that include newer and less prevalent religions. Judaism, though small in numbers, is significant due to its historical influence on Christianity and Islam and its prominence in Israel.
Religion and Society
In some regions, religion is intertwined with daily life and governance, while in others, it is a distinct element of civil society. Religions, such as those in Denmark and Saudi Arabia, have varying degrees of influence on societal practices and legal systems. For example, blasphemy laws in countries like Pakistan reflect the close ties between religion and state power.
Types of Religions
Religions can be classified based on their approach to gaining new members and their beliefs about deities. Proselytic religions actively seek converts and are often universal, such as Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism. In contrast, ethnic religions like Judaism and Hinduism generally do not seek converts and are typically confined to specific ethnic or cultural groups.
Another way of dividing religions is into the categories of polytheistic (many gods) and monotheistic (one god). Although the difference between monotheistic religions and polytheistic religions seems unbridgeable, there are religions that have managed to combine elements of polytheism and monotheism into the same religion. For example, in Voudon (Voodoo), entities that had previously represented African gods are recast as Catholic saints, who themselves are semi divine in the Catholic cosmology. Combining two religions to create a new religion is known as syncretism. Some religions focus less on deities and more on personal spiritual practices or achieving a beneficial afterlife through good deeds.
Recognizing Religions
Religions vary in visibility and structure. Christianity, for example, is easily recognizable through congregational worship in churches. Other religions may not have regular group meetings or purpose-built worship structures. Additionally, some secular belief systems exhibit religious characteristics, such as sacred texts, rituals, and holidays.
Denominations and Subdivisions
Within many religions, there are numerous denominations and sub-divisions, each with unique interpretations and practices. The term "cult" is often used derogatorily to describe smaller or less mainstream religious groups, though it can have a neutral connotation in academic contexts.
Understanding the diversity and complexity of religions is crucial for appreciating their role in shaping cultures and societies worldwide.
Different Kinds of Religions
Scale and Predominant Religion
Figure | Percent Mormon aggregated to the County, State, and National level 3 Author | David Dorrell Source | Original Work License | CC BY SA 4.0