From Deprived to Revived : : Religious Revivals as Adaptive Systems / / Mikko Heimola.

• Superior document: Title is part of eBook package: De Gruyter DGBA Backlist Complete English Language 2000-2014 PART1
• VerfasserIn: Heimola, Mikko,
• Place / Publishing House: Berlin ;, Boston : : De Gruyter, , [2013]; ©2013
• Year of Publication: 2013
• Language: English
• Series: Religion and Reason : Theory in the Study of Religion , 53
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (197 p.)

It is a truism that religion has to do with social cohesion, but the precise nature of this link has eluded scholars and scientists. Drawing on new research in religiously motivated prosociality, evolution of cooperation, and system theory, this book describes how fluctuations in individuals' strategic environment give impetus to a self-organizatory process where ritual behavior works to alleviate uncertainties in social commitment. It also traces the dynamic roles played by emotions, social norms, and socioeconomic context. While exploring the social functions of ritual and revivalist behavior, the book seeks to avoid the fallacies that result from disregarding their explicit religious character. To illustrate these processes, a case study of Christian revivals in early 19th-century Finland is included. The thesis of the book is relevant to theories of the evolution of religion and the role of religion in organizing human societies.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter -- Summary -- Preface -- Contents -- 1 Introduction -- 2 Cooperation As A Human Puzzle -- 3 Religion As A Solution To Social Dilemmas -- 4 Deprivation, Hazards, And Religious Revivals -- 5 Revivalism In Early Nineteenth Century Finland -- 6 From The Deprived To The Revived: A Self-Organizatory Process -- 7 Discussion And Conclusions -- 8 Sources -- 9 References -- Index