Types of Religion
Sociology: AQA A Level, topic 7.1.1
Types of Religion
There are many different ways to categorise religions. Within these categories there are many different religions.
Theistic religions
- Theistic religions:
- Centred on a belief in a higher power.
- This could be one God (monotheistic) or many gods (polytheistic).
- This higher power is always sacred to the religion.
Animism
- Animism:
- The belief in spirits and ghosts that can positively or negatively impact the human world.
Totemism
- Totemism:
- A form of animism focused on the worship of a symbol (usually an animal or plant) that represents the group.
- The symbol is often thought to protect the group and is therefore believed to be sacred.
New Age Movements
- New Age Movements:
- A spiritual, rather than religious, belief that focuses more on self-development and fulfilment rather than a devotion to a higher power.
Test yourself on Types of Religion
What is a form of animism focused on the worship of a symbol (usually an animal or plant) that represents the group?