introduction and definitions of religion

Question 1

beliefs

Answer 1

ideas about things we hold to be true

Question 2

Popper - open belief systems

Answer 2

argues that an open belief system or theory is one which is open to scrutiny, criticism and testing by others through falsification of existing ideas

Question 3

Horton - closed belief systems

Answer 3

arges that a closed belief system is one which is not open to their claims about knowledge being overturned or disproved

Question 4

example of open belief system

Answer 4

science

Question 5

example of closed belief system

Answer 5

religion (eg witchcraft)

Question 6

functional/inclusivistic definitions of religion

Answer 6

focus upon the functions that religions perform in society

Question 7

advantage of functional/inclusivistic definitions of religion

Answer 7

inclusive so do not specify a belief in god or the supernatural and so no bias against non-western religions

Question 8

disadvantage of functional/inclusivistic definitions of religion

Answer 8

too broad as it presumes religion integrates individuals into groups, so something like football could be classed as a religion

Question 9

substantive/exclusivistic definitions of religion

Answer 9

concerned with the content of the religion rather than its function or purpose (eg a belief in god or the supernatural)

Question 10

advantage of substantive/exclusivistic definitions of religion

Answer 10

conforms to a commonly held view of religion (eg a belief in god)

Question 11

disadvantage of substantive/exclusivistic definitions of religion

Answer 11

does not allow for beliefs and practises that performs similar functions to religion but there is no belief in god, so biased towards western religions

Question 12

Glock and Stark - 5 characteristics of religion

Answer 12

• beliefs
• practice
• experience
• knowledge
• behaviour