defining religion Flashcards
explain the substantive definition of religion?
religion is belief in supernatural power, cannot be explained scientifically
Weber- to constitute as religion, must relate to beliefs in god/supernatural.
what does Robertson say supporting the substantive definition of religion?
religion refers to existence of supernatural beings that have governing effect on life.
what does Bruce say supporting the substantive definition of religion?
religion is belief, actions and institutions which assume the existence of supernatural entities.
give two weaknesses of the substantive definition of religion?
they can be too exclusive, excluding Buddhism
too inclusive. Fate, magic, UFOs might fall into criteria
explain the functional definition of religion?
defines religion by social/ psychological functions performs for society
belief could provide certain functions- e.g.- encouraging social cohesion without including supernatural belief
broad definition- football could fit in this.
what does Yinger say to support the functional definition of religion?
religion as a system of beliefs and practices by means of which group of people struggle w ultimate problem of human life.
give two strengths of the functional definition of religion?
embraces wide range of beliefs and practices that perform function
doesn’t specify belief in god or the supernatural
give a weakness of the functional definition of religion?
institutions that perform role of integration are not necessarily religious.
explain the constructivist definition of religion?
so many different types of religion its impossible to come up with a single definition
the process by which a set of beliefs is considered a religion and who has the power to determine is interesting.
what does Aldridge say that supports the constructivist definition of religion?
scientology is a religion for its followers but some governments have banned it.
shows that religion can be contested and influenced by those with the power to define.
give two strengths of the constructivist definition of religion?
doesn’t assume religion has to be a belief in god
can uncover meaning that people give to religion.
give a weakness of the constructivist definition of religion?
its impossible to generalise the nature of religion- no agreement on meaning
what are Giddens three aspects that make something a religion?
belief in supernatural
faith on part of believers
body of unchanging truth
explain Giddens belief in the supernatural?
person, entity or other other worldly spiritual figure, provides sense of meaning and means of explaining world.
explain Giddens faith on part of the believers?
strong sense of trust and conviction in person or entity, not based on evidence
explain Giddens body of unchanging truth?
certain fundamental beliefs, like Christ being the son of god, new discoveries fitted into this framework
why does popper refer to science as a closed belief system?
means that scientific research open to scrutiny, criticism and questioning
what is Merton’s CUDOS?
institutions of science follows this
C- communism (shared findings)
U- universalism ( everyone can do science)
D- disinterested ( detach from ideological bias)
O,S- organised scepticism ( use objective criteria)
why does Horton call religion a closed belief system?
religion embraces body of beliefs that cant be disproved
any challenge to belief is dismissed by followers in way that makes it fit into existing belief.
what is Polyanis “Circularity of truth”?
explaining beliefs with further closed claims
example- you cant say god not real, followers will say have faith, answer is not proved.
what is a paradigm?
set of assumptions abut how world works, scientific discoveries need to fit into existing paradigm.
how could we argue science is more of a closed system then suggested?
if new theory were to shake the foundations of such firmly accepted truths, would be rejected as unscientific.
how could we argue religion is more of an open system then suggested?
some religious organizations change their stance on certain social issues
example- LGBTQ or role o women
How does the state impact religion and science?
science dependent on funding from sources, including cooperate funding.
therefore often conducted with a view to reach particular outcome
scientific evidence might be pushed by government and law, therefore not hat independent.
what do rationalist believe about the separation of science and religion?
Those who believe that science allowed us discover real knowledge about the world, and assert that religion has no claim to truth.
What do relativist believe about the separation of science and religion?
Science and religion totally separate. Science provides certain knowledge whereas religion has responsibility for moral guidance. both equally valid.
case study- what is creationism?
life and the universe were created by divine action
