Clifford Geertz s Definition Of Religion - 807 Words

3) Clifford Geertz’s definition of religion is an accurate reflection of the basic tenet of religion. Geertz argues that religion is based solely on the concepts of symbols and the impacts that symbols have on the practitioners of the religion. Geertz demonstrates that symbols give a meaning to life. The symbols give practitioners something to hold onto at all times. Geertz’s definition of symbols and their impacts fits the use of symbols in many religious practices including the religions of the Huichol Indians and the Amish sect of the Protestant Christian church. In the first part of the Geertz’s definition, he states that religion is â€Å"a system of symbols which acts†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . All religions are made up of symbols. In the Amish church, the symbols include the baptism and living in a traditional way. For the Amish, baptism â€Å"symbolize[s] a commitment to both God and fellow believers† (Robinson, 2015). By being baptized, the adult member of t he community is making a lifelong commitment to live a simple life for God in the way of the Amish. For the Huichol, Ramon states, â€Å"Now I will tell you of the maize and the peyote and the deer†¦ They are our life. They are ourselves.† (189). For the Huichol, the symbols represent a unity complex that are the centerfold of their religion. Religion is made up of symbols, and the Amish Christian and Huichol religious complexes demonstrate that concept. In the second part of the definition, Geertz states that symbols â€Å"establish powerful,Show MoreRelatedClifford Geertzs Focus on the Power of Religion1160 Words   |  5 PagesClifford Geertz has focused more on the symbolic power of religion. He has talked about the fact that it is the symbolic power of religion that has a strong influence on the people. It is the religion, in accordance to Clifford that helps the people in understanding the place that the people have in the world. The actions that are undertaken by the people are also defined by the religion. Based on the arguments that have been given by Clifford, it can be added here that there is a great effect ofRead MoreDefining Religion1029 Words   |  5 PagesWhen searching for the meaning of the term religion one most go a long way in making an extensive search to actually form a definition that can fit such a broad word. There is no one definition that can satisfy all religions and remain true to all religions throughout its answer. There are many different views and definitions of the word and it is very hard to come up with a reasonable definition that sums such a massive expression up. Religion when used as a single word is almost impossible to defineRead MoreReligion And Its Impact On Religion Essay1199 Words   |  5 Pageswe have defined religion as a system of believes particularly belief in a God or gods. 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