The Atheist Church

Have any of you come across a movement led by Sanderson Jones involving "Sunday Assemblies" for atheists?  He is trying to capture the 'functions' of religion (social bonding, sharing pain and sorrows, celebrating together) without the mystical element.  Over the last few years they have grown hugely and now have branches in 30 cities including America.  (Also they are based on Conway Hall, London.)  Depending upon which definition of religion you adopt would shape whether you think this is a religious movement, but have a look and let me know what you think - linking to sociological concepts in your answer.

Explanations of religion and its relationship to social change.

Please explain here which explanation of religion's relationship to social change you most favour (based on the evidence you have reviewed) and your reasoning.  Thank you.  Mr C

religion as a conservative force - rihanna

this is an interesting example of religion acting as a conservative force

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/oct/21/rihanna-abu-dhabi-grand-mosque-photographs

New edition of Sociology Review...

... is now in H1.

This cannot be taken away, as I've a few out at the minute and I'm waiting for their return.  However you are welcome to read it in the Humanities Area, and I will copy any articles you think are helpful once you've read them.

Find articles on:

Why is sociology so important?
Religiosity and social position
Understanding data
Changing religious beliefs in Britain

Anglican Church Denies New Wedding Vows Are Sexist

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-25/anglican-church-denies-new-wedding-vows-are-sexist/4222654

When we were looking at does religion sujugate women here is the article I found, saying that the anglican church didn't find wedding vows sexist when a woman pledges to submit to her husband.

What are your views? Do you find this is subjugating women?

Should religious education even be taught be in schools because of the diverse society we live in? Good article :)

http://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/oct/05/church-attacks-gove-religious-education-schools 

Revision Notes

Hiiyya Guys I found this website and it has differnt revision notes and mind maps for religion and crime, which i thought might be usefull :D http://getrevising.co.uk/resources/levels/a2/subjects/sociology?q=religion&go= Hope it helps :D

Muslim School Closes

http://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/oct/02/muslim-faith-school-closes-on-first-day-of-ofsted-inspection what do you think ?