Thirteenth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

The “Thomas Theorem” in sociology states: “Things believed to be true, are true in their consequences”. This research explores the consequences of that theorem in people’s personal lives, where “reality” is, for all intents and purposes” intertwined with what it is believed to be. Reality of any situation is not exactly the same for any other person than the one experiencing it. The same is true for all collectively held beliefs in groups. Emile Durkheim argues, If a group’s solidarity is mechanically oriented, everyone would have the same beliefs based, mostly, on what they have been taught. It may be related to culture, race, power and influence, or religion. Solidarity may become “organic” when it is necessary to approach many people and groups outside one’s established one, in order to obtain products and services they desire and cannot receive from their group. This forces an acknowledgement of other people’s ways of life and belief. Tension develops between the associated groups as they attempt to maintain a no-longer relevant insular reality of existence. This is an examination of the beliefs and the realities they construct; and vice versa.