Arizona State University Clifford Geertz Definition of Religion Essay

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For this essay, you will analyze yourself using the theoretical frameworks for analysis presented in this class. The purpose of this assignment is to assess whether you understand the basic concepts of the study of religion. Using Geertz’s definition of religion on page 8 of Anatomy of the Sacred, identify what system of symbols act most powerfully in your life to the ends he describes. This will serve as your thesis for this assignment. Following this, support the ‘thesis’ going through 3 significant symbols as they relate to your lived experience.

For simplicity, here is Geertz definition:

“Religion is (1) a system of symbols which acts to (2) establish powerful, pervasive, and long-lasting moods and motivations in [people] by (3) formulating conceptions of a general order of existence and (4) clothing these conceptions with such an aura of factuality that the moods and motivations seem uniquely realistic.” –Clifford Geertz

The paper should begin with your first paragraph introducing your thesis. Be specific and clear. Your first paragraph must end with your thesis. A thesis is an argument or a statement that you will prove throughout your essay. This is the spine of your paper, so make sure you are both academic and contextual. and I am muslim