Cultural Anthropology for Missions

CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY FOR MISSIONS
M.M.NINAN
CHAPTER EIGHT
RELIGION AND RITES
All people practice some form of religion, shared beliefs and
practices. Codified beliefs are called doctrines. Basically religion
has six cultural functions.
1. Psychological. In the face of problems and uncertainties of
life it gives them emotional stability
2. Transcendal. It gives security and direction- hope.
3. Sacralization. It provides norms and values thus providing a
stabilizing force.
4. Prophetic. While stability is desirable, progress cannot be
achieved without change. This is also provided by religion
through prophets.
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