In reading the books written by Griffith (2003) and McGuire (2008), a relationship is discussed concerning Institutional religious forms and Folk/Popular religious forms. Institutional religious forms take on a particular variety of belief with a system of doctrine and practice. The Folk/Popular religious form is viewed as a religious study that describes various forms and expressions of religion that are different relative to doctrine and practices.
McGuire (2008) gives relevance to the fact that religion can be viewed under the conception of identity and commitment. Boundaries in religion can sometimes feel like the boundaries of a city or country. But in rethinking religious blending, there is always the concern for the different believers to believe that their identities will be threatened because of overlapping and religious blending. This was true of the Christian and Jewish believers and can also be a consideration when viewing institutional religious forms and folk/popular religious forms.
Griffith (2008) is clear when he states that a border is not just a line but is rather a cultural zone that takes into account the language spoken by the people as well as their rich culture and beliefs. Let’s face it, when families attend any religious services or put up decorations, or wear a cross, they are instructing their children about their religion as well as all of the traditions that go along with it. This is a uniting tradition that also teaches family about their individual culture as well as the culture of society in its totality. In review of the chapters read from both books it is clear to see that religion matters and has an impact on people and the society in which they live. The relationship between institutional religious forms and folk/popular religious forms is that the people have faith in what they have a belief in whether an institutional religious form or the folk/popular religion. If each believer can respect the other believer, the coming together is a positive experience allowing each person to learn from the other person relative to their religious beliefs and their culture.
References
Griffith, James S. Folk Saints of the Borderlands: Victims, Bandits & Healers. Tucson, AZ: Rio Nuevo, 2003. Print.
McGuire, Meredith B. Lived Religion: Faith and Practice in Everyday Life. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2008. Print.
