Anthropologist Clifford Geertz examines the role of symbols in religion. He
argues that each symbol has deep meaning and evokes powerful emotions
and motivations in the religion's followers. What are two different examples
of religious symbols used in the world today? What meaning do the symbols
have for the religious followers? What emotions and motivations do the
symbols evoke in followers and why? How do these symbols help followers
make sense of their worlds? What purpose do these symbols likely serve
regarding community life? Do you think symbols are imperative to religious
beliefs and practices? Why or why not? What are some of the problems
posed by Geertz's approach to religion?
