Learning Objectives

12.1 Analyze the ways in which religion is related to order and meaning in life, anxiety and social control, and reinforcing or modifying social order

12.2 Summarize the critical characteristics all religions share

12.3 Discuss the types of ritual commonly found in religion and give examples of rites of passage and rites of intensification

12.4 Explain the differences between priests and shamans and give examples of the kinds of societies in which each is found

12.5 Define magic and give examples of its use in different societies

12.6 Examine the roles that accusations of witchcraft or sorcery play in society

12.7 Summarize the role of religion in social change and assess the conditions under which it is likely to be an important factor in such change, speeding up or slowing change