Definitions of Religion

Question 1

What aspects do sociologists agree religions involve?

Answer 1

• Beliefs: in the supernatural and/or sacred symbols that represent these supernatural powers
• Theology: set of teachings or beliefs usually based on a holy book
• Practice: series of rituals or ceremonies to express religious beliefs, either publicly or privately
• Institutions: form of organisation of the worshippers/believers such as by priests or religious leaders and buildings e.g. church, mosque, temple
• Consequences: set of moral or ethical values that are meant to guide the everyday behaviour of believers e.g. heaven/hell

Question 2

What is an exclusive/substantive definition?

AO1

Answer 2

• Refers to the characteristics (substance) that makes a religion - belief in god(s) or supernatural
• This focuses on the belief (e.g. divine power) that defines what is and isn’t a religion

Question 3

Who are some sociologists who use substantiative definitions?

AO2

Answer 3

• Weber: “A belief in the supernatural” - being(s), powers, or forces that can’t be verified by science
• Durkheim: “A unified set of beliefs and practices related to sacred things, that is to say set apart or forbidden.” - the world is divided into the sacred and the profane (non-sacred) e.g. pilgrimages vs holidays, jewellery vs rosary

Question 4

How can we evaluate the substantive definition?

AO3

Answer 4

• Western bias - you can believe something is sacred but not supernatural
• Can identify trends and patterns as definition is specific
• Giddens: many religions don’t believe in a god/supernatural or suggest that they created the world e.g. Buddhism, Confucianism

Question 5

What is the inclusive/functional definition?

AO1

Answer 5

• A very broad definition focusing on the role religion plays in society e.g. socialisation, social cohesion, etc
• Covers a wide range of beliefs to which people give a religious or sacred quality but doesn’t necessary include belief in a supernatural being

Question 6

What are some examples of the functional definition?

AO2

Answer 6

• Civil Religion: in western society religion is declining but people still have a collective consciousness due to the belief in americanism/nationalism e.g. pledge allegiance to the flag
• Yinger: religion helps people find answers to ultimate questions e.g. meaning of life, what happens after death
• Social solidarity: religion provides a sense of belonging to a community e.g. ummah in Islam - especially relevant to ethnic minorities who may feel excluded from white british society

Question 7

How can we evaluate the functional definition?

AO3

Answer 7

• Too broad - can’t identify trends, patterns, and changes as what defines religion isn’t specific enough
• Aldridge: too broad - science and philosophy can also serve the function of explaining ultimate questions but are separate from religion
• Aldridge: by this definition nazism can be classed as a religion which is a dangerous generalisation

Question 8

What is the social constructionist definition?

AO1

Answer 8

• An interpretivist approach that focuses on how members of society define religion in their own way
• It’s not possible to produce a single definition of religion to cover each individual’s perspective

Question 9

What are some examples of how religion is socially constructed?

AO2

Answer 9

• Constantine made the Roman empire convert to Christianity from their ancient mythology. Before Christians were a persecuted minority but Constantine caused it to become the largest world religion to this day
• Anglicanism came from Henry VIII’s decision to break from the Catholic church due to wanting a divorce
• Scientology is not recognised as a religion in Belgium, Germany, and Finland but is recognised by the USA with many Californians practicing it

Question 10

How can we evaluate the social constructionist definition?

AO3

Answer 10

Too individualised - can’t identify trends, patterns, and changes as the definition being tested varies from person to person. Impossible to measure if religion has grown or declined in popularity

Question 11

What is animism?

AO1/2

Answer 11

Beliefs held in pre-industrial and non-industrial societies that a spiritual or supernatural force organises and shapes the physical or material world e.g. ancient belief that volcanic eruption was punishment from the natural world

EXAMPLE: Eleanor Hawkins - british tourist who climbed Mount Kinabalu in Maylasia and took a photo naked. Immediately after an earthquake happened killing thousands. Locals blamed Eleanor and she was arrested

Question 12

What is totemism?

AO1/2

Answer 12

A totem is some aspect of nature e.g. plant or animal which is believed to contain spirits, souls, demons, or magic

Durkheim: all forms of religion have their origins in totemism

Question 13

What are theistic religions?

AO1/2

Answer 13

Focus on belief in sacred, higher, and controlling power - god(s) - this power is seen as a source of moral codes of behaviour and is worthy of reverance

Polytheistic = multiple gods e.g. hinduism whereas monotheistic = one god e.g. Islam