Religion (our working definition) A system of beliefs and practices that attempt to order life in terms of culturally perceived ultimate priorities.

ReligionReligion(our working (our working definition)definition)

A system of beliefs and practices that A system of beliefs and practices that attempt to order life in terms of attempt to order life in terms of

culturally perceived ultimate priorities.culturally perceived ultimate priorities.

On a piece of scratch On a piece of scratch paper:paper:

Name one similarity and one difference Name one similarity and one difference between language and religion as between language and religion as

elements of culture.elements of culture.

Both cornerstones (fundamental) to Both cornerstones (fundamental) to culture and identity. (Which more so?)culture and identity. (Which more so?)

Both are constantly changing.Both are constantly changing. Both are diffusing constantly and both Both are diffusing constantly and both

diffuse both by relocation diffusion (what’s diffuse both by relocation diffusion (what’s another word for this?) and expansion another word for this?) and expansion diffusion (both hierarchical and diffusion (both hierarchical and contagious) (What is another word for contagious) (What is another word for contagious diffusion of a religion?contagious diffusion of a religion?

Unlike language, religion tends to be Unlike language, religion tends to be exclusive (more bilingual or “bireligous” exclusive (more bilingual or “bireligous” people in the world?) and retainedpeople in the world?) and retained

How geographers study How geographers study religionsreligions

Where are different religions located? Where are different religions located? (distribution)(distribution)

Why are religions where they are? Why are religions where they are? (diffusion)(diffusion)

What effects do religions have on the What effects do religions have on the places? (cultural landscape)places? (cultural landscape)

Where and why has religion led to Where and why has religion led to conflicts? (geography of religious conflicts? (geography of religious conflict)conflict)

Can you match the religions with their colors on the map above?