Studies of religion and social behavior examine the ways in which religion influences social attitudes and behaviors. This includes looking at the relationship between religion and prejudice, social support, and prosocial behavior.
Beliefs and values: The concepts of belief systems and values, their formation, and their role in shaping human behavior and decision making.
Rituals and sacraments: The significance of rituals and sacraments in different religions, including their psychological and social functions.
Social influence and conformity: The ways in which religious beliefs and practices can influence behavior and how individuals conform to the beliefs and practices of their religious group.
Religious identity: The formation and significance of religious identity, including how it affects individuals' beliefs, behaviors, and interactions with others.
Group dynamics and social cohesion: The social dynamics that emerge within religious communities, including the formation of social bonds, shared values, and collective identities.
Religious beliefs and the search for meaning: The psychological and existential significance that religion can have for individuals, including the ways in which it can provide a sense of meaning and purpose in life.
The psychology of religious conversion: The psychological factors that lead individuals to convert to a new religion or adopt new religious beliefs.
Religious attitudes and prejudice: The role that religious attitudes can play in shaping intergroup relations and influencing prejudice and discrimination.
Interfaith dialogue and cooperation: The importance of interfaith dialogue and cooperation for promoting tolerance and understanding between people of different religious beliefs.
Spirituality and well-being: The relationship between spirituality and mental and physical health, including the potential benefits of religious practices and beliefs for overall well-being.
Monotheism: Belief in one God or deity, and the worship of that God alone.
Polytheism: Belief in many gods or deities, and the worship of multiple gods.
Pantheism: The belief that God is identical with the universe, and that everything in the universe is divine.
Animism: The belief that all objects, places, and creatures have a spiritual essence or soul.
Atheism: The absence of belief in any gods or deities.
Agnosticism: The belief that the existence of God or gods is unknown or unknowable.
Humanism: A philosophical belief that emphasizes human values and seeks to promote human welfare.
Spiritualism: The belief in spirits or a supernatural realm that can be accessed through mediumship or other spiritual means.
Shintoism: An ancient Japanese religion that emphasizes the worship of various nature gods and spirits.
Buddhism: A religion and philosophy that emphasizes the importance of compassion, wisdom, and meditation in achieving enlightenment.
Hinduism: A religion that emphasizes the existence of many gods and the interconnectedness of all living things.
Taoism: A philosophical and religious tradition that emphasizes the principles of balance, harmony, and non-action (wu wei).
Confucianism: A philosophical and ethical system that emphasizes the importance of social relationships, family values, and respect for authority.
Judaism: A monotheistic religion that emphasizes the importance of following God's commandments as outlined in the Torah.
Christianity: A monotheistic religion that emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior of humanity.
Islam: A monotheistic religion that emphasizes the importance of submission to God's will as outlined in the Qur'an.
New Age: A loosely-defined spiritual movement that blends elements of various spiritual traditions, often emphasizing personal transformation and healing.
Cults: Religious groups that have high control over members' behavior and beliefs, often characterized by fervent devotion to a charismatic leader.
Fundamentalism: A conservative form of religious belief that stresses the literal interpretation of religious texts and the importance of traditional values.
Secularism: The belief that religion should be separate from government and public life.