Definitions

Question 0

Exclusivist - definitions of religion

Answer 0

Exclude phenomena that do not make reference to a supernatural being, and limit what can be defined as religious

Question 1

Inclusive - definitions of religion

Answer 1

Phenomena that may seem controversial - magic, miracles, communism

Question 2

Functional - definitions of religion

Answer 2

Focus on the role that a religious phenomenon performs for society as a whole, such as acting a unifying force
Doesn’t view religion as a belief in god
Inclusivist

Question 3

Substantive - definitions of religion

Answer 3

A defining characteristic, such as a belief in god, as the distinctive feature of religion
Exclusivist

Question 4

Social constructionist - definitions of religion

Answer 4

Interpretivist approach
Interested in how definitions of religion are created, changed, and fought over
Doesn’t view religion as a belief in god
Inclusivist

Question 6

Essentialist - (Inclusivist)

Answer 6

they take the position that religious belief and activity is a necessary feature of the human condition, although it may take many forms

Question 7

Non-essentialist - (exclusivist)

Answer 7

Accepting that there may be a decline or growth in religious activity at different historical stages

Question 8

Quasi religions

Answer 8

Have a ‘this World’ orientation, and can focus on various aspects of our culture

Question 9

Bourgeoise

Answer 9

The social class that owns the means of production, such as factories and banks

Question 10

Social integration

Answer 10

This occurs when individuals are bound together in a society as a unified whole - identifying with the collective expressions of society

Question 11

Spiritual supermarket

Answer 11

Contemporary religion has many features of a supermarket, in which individuals are free to choose or change according to personal inclination

Question 12

Choice overload

Answer 12

There are too many options in terms of religion and spiritual fulfilment - the individual has to make choices between ideas and values

Question 13

Disneyfied

Answer 13

As religion becomes packaged as a commodity in the market place, it becomes trivial and crowd pleasing

Question 14

Liberation theology

Answer 14

‘Commitment to the poor’ by priests and nuns in Latin America, resulting in leaders of the Roman Catholic Church involving themselves in radical and revolutionary movements - Oscar Romero

Question 15

Inspirationalism

Answer 15

A form of religious worship that emphasises a personal relationship with god that manifests itself sometimes in high energy outpourings of joy, speaking in tongues, etc

Question 16

Cult

Answer 16

A secretive and domineering sect-like organisation that may operate with manipulative mind control techniques and have a highly exclusivist agenda, cutting off adherents from family and friends who do not beleive

Question 17

New religious movements

Answer 17

The many forms of religious groups that have emerged throughout the world, separate from the traditional forms of world religions, but often related to them.

Question 18

World rejecting NRMs

Answer 18

Strict, tend to avoid contact with the outside world, in search for a spiritual enlightenment - Krishna Consciousness

Question 19

World affirming NRMs

Answer 19

See success in the secular world as one of the aims of their spiritual journey within it - Scientology

Question 20

World accommodating NRMs

Answer 20

Charismatic movements , tolerant of the world as it is - neopentecostalism