Sociological Perspective on Religion

Main Idea and Outline In 1 Corinthians 13:8-13, Paul writes to make clear that love is the most excellent way, because it eternally endures. In extolling the superiority of love, Paul compares love with several coveted spiritual gifts, prophecy, words of knowledge, and tongues, and demonstrates that the gifts listed pale in comparison to love, because the gifts are incomplete and temporary, while love is both perfect and eternal. An outline of this passage of Scripture follows: I.

Throughout the years, various anthropologists have developed definitions for religion. Emilie Durkheim was one of the first and many sociologists who studied the structure of religion and tried to define its’ function. Durkheim stated that “a religion is a 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 a Church, all those who adhere to them." Durkheim describes religion as the embodiment of society’s highest goals and ideals. He states that religion acts as a cohesive social force. It is real in that it exists in people’s minds and impels them to heed societal dictates, but what is perceived as external to society, like God, is a projection and reflection of society (Segal, The Blackwell Companion to the Study of Religion, 2006, p.5)

By him not playing with the toys and reading a book as we waited, was his behavior of love towards me. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul speaks of love as being, patient, kind. Then he goes on to say, “love is not jealous or boastful or proud, or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no records of being wronged. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every situation” (New Living Translation). Then Paul reminds us after he goes mentions behaviors as, having the ability to speak all languages of earth and angels (verse 1), and had the gift to prophecy, had the full secrets of God, and had the faith to move mountains (verse 2), given everything he had to the poor and sacrificing his body (verse 3), that without the love, these behaviors are useless. Therefore, according to Paul, love of others needs to be the reason for are choice of behavior.

Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NABRE)

Among the multitudinous biblical references to love, the most comprehensive and decisive assessment of true love comes in St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians. He begins by stating that despite all of his faith and gifts from God, "if I have no love, I am nothing." (I Cor. 13:2) Clearly, Paul recognizes the importance of love. He goes on to define love in very explicit terms, telling both what love is and what it is not. Paul begins, "Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs." (I Cor. 13:4-5) The Apostle continues with the declaration that "love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth." (I Cor. 13:6) Recall here the biblical prohibition of cross-dressing (Deut. 22:5) and lying (Deut. 5:20) Disguise and deceit are far from the truth that makes love happy. The exhortation continues:

Through our examination of Hislop (2013) and other supporting material during this class, we have discovered the characteristics and nature of knowledge management strategy. Using my organization as a back drop it has become clear the one does not merely undertake a knowledge management program and expect success. Instead, it requires a thorough examination of the organization, essential knowledge, key roles, policies, politics, available technology

Despite the religion or country, belief systems can prevail to form and encompass all aspects of society. From the way food is prepared to the architectural design of buildings are just some ways religion has the ability to mold the world. Whether it is Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, or another religion, they all play a key role in the American way of life. The consistent battle between different denominations, religions, and non-believers over how much of a specific religion can have how much control is viewed through the conflict perspective lens. The main religion, Christianity, is the most dominant religion in the United States; hence, the core to many systems in the public. Sociologists Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim show that religion surfaces in the way that believers act, think, and the choices that they make in everyday life. Certain belief systems have had the ability to pacify, to keep the believers optimistic, and to serve as the backbone of many laws.

Furthermore, I found this article interesting, “the way of love, -- of loving all men for God's sake, of humble gentle, patient love, -- is that which the Apostle so admirably describes in the ensuing chapter, 1 Corinthians 13. And without this, he assures us, all eloquence, all knowledge, all faith, all works, and all sufferings, are of no more value in the sight of God than sounding brass or a rumbling cymbal, and are not of the least avail toward our eternal salvation. Without this, all we know, all we believe, all we do, all we suffer, will profit us nothing in the great day of

The Corinthian books were written as letters to the Corinthian people. While focusing on specifically 1 Corinthians 13, this letter is full of eye opening wisdom for its readers. While reading this passage, readers should approach this genre as a letter of advice, as did the Corinthians. In short, Chapter 13 speaks solemnly on love. God gave Paul these words to speak to the people, as they were found to be heartless in their idea of living as a Christian. The Corinthian people were reckless and possessed no love in their hearts. To begin, Paul starts with the revelation that if one has great faith in God (enough to move mountains), but has no love- they are nothing. This was a big deal for the spiritually blind Corinthians to hear, as they

Sociology of religion has truly opened up my perspective on the different types of religion. I learned three key insights that I have gained from the sociological study of religion. My first key insight will be about how a religious organization like the Westboro Baptist Church are a marginalized identity. I will reference the Westboro Baptist Church film. My second key insight will be why people switch denominations or religions. I will reference the book and a family example. My third insight will be the multidimensional types of commitment.

In the words of Hans J. Hillerbrand, General Editor of “Christianity-The Illustrated History p. 86,” wrote, “from the beginning of the Christian movement, faith, hope, and love have been extolled as the essential principles of the Christian life.” So too, in the 13th Chapter of 1st Corinthians, the Apostle Paul, tells us that of the three: faith, love, and hope, “the greatest of these is

A religion can be seen as a unified system of beliefs and practices which are relative to sacred things and beliefs (Giddens 1972, p.224). It can shape ones thoughts and feelings and gives people a sense of hope and something to believe in. All three main sociologist writers Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim offer different perspectives on religion and how important it is to society. Some of the theorists chose to have a positive view whilst others argue the unimportance of religion. This essay attempts to discover which theorist has the most accurate perspective of religion in modern times. This is done by firstly explaining the basic ideas regarding to religion put forward by Marx, Weber and Durkheim. Then both Marx's and

I was raised in a highly religious family. I have attended church every Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night since the Sunday after I was born. I was always taught that faith, hope, and love were the three cardinal virtues of my entire life. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, we are told, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled;

This verse chosen to recite at many weddings, the beginning of a long life of love. This passage shows the outline of what love is both called to do and how we are called to love. I think that this passage is a great base for love. 1 Corinthians is only the beginning of what love is.

Contrary to popular beliefs, love is not a temporary emotion; it is much greater in its character. We often say I love you when the atmosphere is conducive just to retract those words when things are not going so well. Perfect Love, or shall I say, Christian love, has the tenacity and persistence to weather any storm that comes it way. When Christians love, they can forgive the most unforgiveable actions without revenge or retribution. Christian love never becomes bankrupt. It never bounces a check. Nor does it right a promissory note that finds itself in nonpayment.