functionalist theories of religion

Question 1

religion unites people

Answer 1

religious beliefs such as totemism act as a social glue binding people together and building bonds between them. by sharing beliefs and giving them a sacred quality people develop a shared identity and a collective conscience and they come to think as one. therefore binding society together and acts as a conservative force

Question 2

religion answers ultimate questions

Answer 2

religion is the primary source of meaning as it answers ultimate questions about the meaning of life such as why the good die young which prevents uncertainty that could lead to anarchy. therefore keeping things the same, acting as a conservative force

Question 3

religion provides comfort

Answer 3

religion provides comfort at times of crisis as religion can provide a source of comfort, explanation and meaning for individuals when faced by crises such as bereavement. for example funeral services act as a source of comfort for the bereaved with beliefs of life after death therefore acts as a conservative force as it brings calmness and prevents a breakdown of society

Question 4

religion intergrates society

Answer 4

america is a civil religion - a belief that attaches sacred qualities to society itself e.g pledging allegiance to the flag. civil religion interstates society in a way that individual religious cannot as it sacralises the american way of life and binds together americans from many different ethnic and religious backgrounds.