The Study
Human beings behave in a particular manner. Every person is always conscious of his or her friends, relatives, neighbors, and teammates. I decided to make a series of observations by visiting several religious congregations and churches. This exercise made it is easier for me to understand why human beings behave in a unique manner.
I observed how different individuals interacted in a particular manner. The targeted individuals also respected one another. They also greeted each other in a friendly manner. Most of the attendees were dressed smartly. They also listened attentively to their religious leaders without any complaint. The greatest question is whether such individuals would have behaved in the same manner if they were attending a non-religious event. The people interacted in a friendly manner and shared their ideas effectively.
Sociological Explanation
Human beings always have the potential to interpret their friends’ ideas, behaviors, and actions. The above exercise explains why human beings interpret certain events and symbols in a particular manner. The idea of religion calls for respect, love, and togetherness. Individuals from all backgrounds tend to respect their religious affiliations.
The above conversation explains why human beings interpret God’s messages and commandments in a positive manner. The church is a symbol that presents something greater to every believer. This fact explains why the individuals respected their religious leaders and fellow believers. I also identified more symbols in the church such as the Bible and other religious books.
It is agreeable that many societies attach unique meanings to such religious symbols. As well, many individuals tend to have unique perceptions about the meaning of the above symbols. Such individuals would have acted differently if they were in a different meeting. Human beings will talk in a friendly manner whenever they are in a religious meeting. The same individuals would act and react differently whenever attending a fund-raising event.
The people in every church were happy and ready to portray their best images. They did not have any differences because they shared a common faith. They were also ready to interact with one another even if they had very little in common. According to sociologists, human beings will always identify their unique symbols and attach specific meanings to them.
Religion becomes a major social force that encourages people to help one another and live in harmony. The above exercise was critical because it made it easier for me to construct a better sociological explanation.
My Mini Theory
Symbols are common in every human society. The most appropriate model that explains this human behavior is symbolic interactionism. According to this micro theory, people behave in a unique manner depending on the existing symbols. Individuals in a religious gathering will interpret their behaviors in a specific manner. Such interpretations are critical towards forming different relationships and social bonds. Believers clearly understood the relevance of religion in their lives.
The targeted people behaved in a proper manner in order to get the approval of their fellow believers. This theory supports the above behaviors and interactions. Human beings will always use different symbols. Such symbols are critical whenever human beings are interacting with their relatives, friends, and neighbors. Symbolic interactionism is a powerful model for explaining why different people behave in a specific manner. Sociologists and scholars can use this theory to explore and analyze various human behaviors.