In Our Text, Playing Golf or Following Elvis Were Noted

question 46

Essay

In our text, playing golf or following Elvis were noted as a possible functional equivalent of religion. In class we noted others, such as club membership, political or economic systems, and maybe even atheism. Briefly explain what "functional equivalent of religion" means. Then pick an example and illustrate the concept, showing, for example, what makes it like religion but not religion.

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Definitions:

Schizotypal Personality Disorder

A mental disorder characterized by severe social anxiety, thought disorder, paranoid ideation, derealization, transient psychosis, and unconventional beliefs.

Odd Behaviors

Actions or deeds that deviate from what is considered normal or expected by societal standards.

Childhood Play

A range of activities performed by children that facilitate physical, cognitive, and social development.

Frontal Lobes

Regions of the brain located at the front of each cerebral hemisphere, responsible for decision making, problem solving, control of purposeful behaviors, consciousness, and emotions.