Defining religion

Question 1

Substantive definitions

Answer 1

-Focus on the content of substance of religious beliefs, such as belief in god or the supernatural
-Weber defines religion as a belief in a superior or supernatural power that is above nature and cannot be explained scientifically
-Exclusive- draw a clear line between religious and non-religious beliefs

Question 2

A03 Substantive

Answer 2

• conform to a widespread view on religion
  -leaves no room for beliefs of similar practices
  -western bias

Question 3

Constructionist definitions

Answer 3

-Interpretivist approach
-Not possible to produce a single universal definition of religion as its different for everyone
-Aldridge shows how Scientology is a religion, whereas several governments have denied its status
-Approach allows them to get close to the meanings people themselves give to religion

Question 4

Functional definitions

Answer 4

-Stress how religions contribute to societies in terms of its social and psychological function
-Durkheim argues the key function of religion is to strengthen social solidarity and integration

Question 5

Yinger

Answer 5

A functional defintion - religion performs functions for individuals such as answering questions about the meaning of life and what happens when we die

Question 6

A03 Functional definitions

Answer 6

• inclusive
  -does not specify belief in God