Clifford Geertz Religion

One of the most influential anthropologist’s of his time, Clifford Geertz changes the way society views religion in his article, “Religion as a Cultural System.” In Geertz’s article, he explains that religion is made up of cultural symbols; these symbols bear meanings which travel from person to person through space and time. He summarizes this statement using five points which analyze why symbols in religion are crucial in understanding its meaning. According to Geertz, he believed that these symbols act in the world as a system which expresses conceptions. For example, the Cross symbolizes crucifixion as the prerequisite for resurrection. This implies a particular value and way of living that allows oneself to be crucified, being attentive to the needs of others before meeting the needs of oneself.
Furthermore, Geertz explains that in religion, these symbols act to create moods and motivations which make up our way of life. Religious symbols tells us that because society is structured a certain way, we have to feel a certain way and commit to certain goals. These symbols are intended to form a person’s overall behaviour which shapes their views about the world and their understanding of what appropriate …show more content…
The system of symbols forms the person’s character and understanding which becomes seen as accurate depictions of reality. One must believe that the lifestyle implied by the symbol is the only right way to live, despite the hardships associated with that particular lifestyle. In order to emphasize such beliefs, cultures develop rituals. A ritual is a way of pursuing a symbol which reflects the accurate nature of the world, the way to live, and shows how they correlate with one another. Similarly, rituals show that the community can practice this reality in its group