The term ‘popular culture’ refers to a culture built on what the general public desires opposed to the elite class that usually have the control. This applies to things within society such as music, food, fashion, even religion. Whether someone considers themselves to be religious or not, it affects their life in numerous ways. If someone is religious, they most likely participate in religious rituals, practices and makes life decisions with their faith in mind. On the contrary, if someone is not religious they may not do any of the above, but chances are they know someone who is and are educated to some degree on at least one religion. It is relevant in today’s society whether we want to accept it or not. As David Chidester argues, religion
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what truly makes a religion comparable to popular culture in today’s society are the elements in which it values. For example, some elements of religion are: a belief system, a sense of community, rituals, emotional experiences, material expression, and sacredness (college.holycross.edu). As previously stated, baseball, Coca-Cola, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and the Olympics all embody these elements. Chidester goes on to also include Tupperware parties, Disney and various other international companies into his argument and the same elements apply. The Olympics is a unique example because it originally started as a so called “religious festival” in Greece in honour of the Greek Gods. Therefore, it does have a religious origin to begin with. Now, millions of people all over the world come together to watch the Olympic games and support these athletes. The athletes themselves are considered to have superhuman abilities that people aspire to have and be like. There are routines, rules, and regulations that it creates unity and conformity. There is overwhelming support for what they believe in and what the athletes represent. It is familiar and relatable in a sense that people know what to expect and no matter where you come from, you can appreciate what the games are all
what truly makes a religion comparable to popular culture in today’s society are the elements in which it values. For example, some elements of religion are: a belief system, a sense of community, rituals, emotional experiences, material expression, and sacredness (college.holycross.edu). As previously stated, baseball, Coca-Cola, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and the Olympics all embody these elements. Chidester goes on to also include Tupperware parties, Disney and various other international companies into his argument and the same elements apply. The Olympics is a unique example because it originally started as a so called “religious festival” in Greece in honour of the Greek Gods. Therefore, it does have a religious origin to begin with. Now, millions of people all over the world come together to watch the Olympic games and support these athletes. The athletes themselves are considered to have superhuman abilities that people aspire to have and be like. There are routines, rules, and regulations that it creates unity and conformity. There is overwhelming support for what they believe in and what the athletes represent. It is familiar and relatable in a sense that people know what to expect and no matter where you come from, you can appreciate what the games are all