Definitions Of Religion

Question 1

Substantive Definitions of Religion

Answer 1

• Focus on what religion believes
• Weber -> argues that religion is belief in a supernatural power (supernatural entities with powers of action, or impersonal powers superior to humans)
• Exclusive: clear distinction between religious and non-religious beliefs

Question 2

Criticism of Substantive Definitions of Religion

Answer 2

• Western-biased and excludes religions with no Western idea of a God e.g. Buddhism
• Ignores practices that perform similar functions to religions but have no supernatural belief

Question 3

Example of Substantive Definition of Religion

Answer 3

• Catholicism: involves belief in a God

Question 4

Functional Definitions of Religion

Answer 4

• Focus on the function of religion (what religion does)
• Durkheim: religions have sacred objects (set apart and forbidden) different to the profane (ordinary, everyday objects)
• Inclusive: includes activities that may not be religious but involve objects individuals perceive as sacred
• Social Solidarity by uniting society through shared beliefs and values

Question 5

Criticism of Functional Definitions of Religion

Answer 5

• It is a very broad definition and may include activities that bring people together but are not a religion

Question 6

Example of Functional Definitions of Religion

Answer 6

• Catholicism: answers ‘ultimate questions’ about the meaning of life, have sacred objects (Bible, the cross) that differ from the profane, encourages social solidarity through shared beliefs
• Football World Cup: encourages social solidarity (all gather in the stadium to cheer on their team), trophy may be perceived as a sacred object which differs from the profane

Question 7

Constructionist Definitions of Religion (+AO3)

Answer 7

• Take an interpretivist view to look at how members of society define religion
• From this point of view, there is no single definition of religion, religion means different things to different individuals and groups
• Definitions of Religion are constructed, challenged and fought over e.g. followers of Scientology mag define it as a religion but many governments do not

AO3 - Makes it impossible to generalise about the nature of religion