In associational societies, religion is separated more from social and economic activities than it is in communal societies.

In Christianity, the cross is considered profane because it has special religious significance.

Pantheism is the tolerant acceptance of the worship of all gods.

A formal religious organization that is well-established and well-integrated into society, but that is not the state's official religion is called an ecclesia.

Islam is the world's largest religion.

The social organization of Islam and Christianity is alike in that both have highly bureaucratic and centralized leadership.

Judaism is the smallest of the world religions.

The central belief of Hinduism is the idea that a special moral force exists throughout the universe that makes demands on the individual and gives everyday life a sacred quality.

Confucianism emphasizes li, or proper etiquette and ritual, and jen, a sympathy that binds all humans together.

Functionalism argues that religion, as well as other social institutions contributes to the harmony and stability of society.

According to Functionalism, one of the functions of religion is to answer questions about the meaning of life, existence, and the afterlife.

Durkheim said that religion was a narcotic that dulled the pain of the masses.

To some extent, religion and science compete to explain the same phenomenon.

According to Symbolic Interactionism, religion is important because it serves as a reference point that affects many aspects of life, including social relationships.

The United States is experiencing both secularization and a religious revival.