In this essay, I will be discussing the concept of symbolic anthropology and how humans create their own fate and reality. Clifford Geertz was an American cultural anthropologist who began the thinking of symbolic anthropology. According to Geertz, symbolic anthropology was “a system of inherited conceptions expressed in symbolic forms by means of which men communicate, perpetuate, and develop their knowledge about and attitudes toward life.” As someone who was raised in a Christian household, I was able to see this concept first hand.
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Many cultures have a different mixture of cultural symbols, the significance of these objects creates a meaning or a purpose for the individual, which will give that person a motivation to feel a specific way. Symbols, like a cross, can be seen in different cultures but still have different meanings. A great example of symbolic anthropology is religion, around 70 percent of Americans are Christian, and around 90 percent are a part of some religion. Religion is a perfect example of symbolic anthropology because people are basing the way they live their lives on words or in most cases a book of teachings.
Most religions have specific writings, customs, and sacred meeting places or days. Many religions have a way of acting towards one another that is expected to be followed. Each religion is different in the way that the followers connect themselves to it. Some followers lives are completely controlled by this religion because they have been told that not following would lead to eternal life in hell. Others choose and pick which rules they want to follow. For example, the Bible forbids tattoos and sex before marriage, however, most Christians do not follow. Some people might just be involved with a local church for the community and not follow the teachings at all.
Religion is also a way for people to seek relief from the age-old question what happens after you pass. In the Qur’an, relief is promised to those who believe in any god (Flanagan, Eileen). “On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve” (Qur’an 2:62). However, in the Bible, Jesus tells his followers, “Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ... But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you” (Matt 6:31-33) saying that as long as you follow God's teachings, you will be saved.