6.3 Why Do Religions Organize Space in Distinctive Patterns?

B. Sacred SpaceDisposing of the Dead• Cremation – Hindu• Expose dead to nature – T. Buddhists

Cremation of lower caste Hindus in sight of theTaj Mahal in India.

6.3 Why Do Religions Organize Space in Distinctive Patterns

B. Sacred SpaceReligious Settlements• Utopian settlements based on

religious beliefs (Mormons in Utah)Religious Place Names (toponyms)• Prominent in Quebec (Catholic saint

names used for cities)

6.3 Why Do Religions Organize Space in Distinctive Patterns

C. Administration of SpaceHierarchical Religions• Well-defined geographical structure, organized

territory into local administrative units.• Roman Catholic

diocese=basic unit of geographic organization, divided into parishes(Pope-archbishop-cardinal-bishop-priest)

• Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) stake (several wards), ward = 750 people

Catholic Hierarchical Administration

6.3 Why Do Religions Organize Space in Distinctive Patterns

C. Administration of SpaceAutonomous Religions• Self-sufficient with loose interaction

among religious communities• Islam• Protestant denominations• Judaism & Hinduism