Interpretivist / Social Action view of religion

Question 1

Does the interpretivist view see religion as a conservative or dynamic force?

Answer 1

Conservative force that prevents change - they see this as a good thing.

Question 2

Does the interpretivist view see religion as bringing about harmony or conflict?

Answer 2

Harmony. They see this as a good thing.

Question 3

Which 2 sociologists speak about this view?

Answer 3

Berger and Keller

Question 4

What do Berger and Keller do?

Answer 4

Agrees with the functionalist view that religion is a good thing but they focus on how religion helps the individual make sense of the world.

Question 5

What key terms do Berger and Keller use?

Answer 5

Plausibility Structure
Sacred Canopy
Spiritual Umbrella
Spiritually Homeless

Spiritual Umbrella is just used to explain sacred canopy

Question 6

Explain what Berger and Keller say about religion using key terms

Answer 6

Religion is a plausibility structure that gives you a sacred canopy (like a spiritual umbrella) to help protect you from whatever life throws at you.

Question 7

According to Berger and Keller what are you if you aren’t religious?

Answer 7

Spiritually homeless

Question 8

What is the problem with the Interpretivist approach?

Answer 8

Scientific and political beliefs can also be plausibility structures. But are they as powerful?