interpretivist approach to religion

Question 1

what do interpretivists look at?

Answer 1

the way religion is used by followers to create meanings and interpretations of the world and to understand the meanings sacred symbols have for individuals

Question 2

what does berger?

Answer 2

religion provides a ‘universe of meaning’ - a set of beliefs and values that helps people make sense of the world
gives individuals explanation in the face of a chaotic world

Question 3

what does berger argue religion provides?

Answer 3

a ‘theodicy’ - a religious framework that enables people to make sense of seemingly inexplicable and fundamental questions about human existence

religion is a sacred canopy stretching over society, providing a shield that protects people from uncertainties

Question 4

what does berger argue regarding society and religion?

Answer 4

in modern/postmodern societies religion is losing its role for most people as the provider of a universe of meaning - logic and science have largely replaced faith

Question 5

religion as a compensator - what do stark and bainbridge argue?

Answer 5

see religion as meeting the needs of individuals when their sense of social order is disrupted by economic hardship, loneliness, grief

Question 6

what do they argue about the existence of religion?

Answer 6

religion will never disappear as it provides answers to universal questions

Question 7

what does religion contribute to as a compensator?

Answer 7

the maintenance of stability in social life

Question 8

what does interactionists look at? how do they see religion? what does religion provide?

Answer 8

the micro aspects of religion for example how it relates to individuals and individual experiences

see religion as a social construct developed and maintained by individuals beliefs

religion provides framework for interpreting and understanding the world

Question 9

criticism of the interactionist approach to religion

Answer 9

ignore the influence of structural factors when considering the role of religion

Question 10

what does rational choice theory state?

Answer 10

assumes that most people are naturally religious, and argues there are rational reasons behind behind belief in religion - they believe in religion because there is a benefit or reward in it for them
sees religion as meeting the needs of the individual rather than society