Key concepts

Question 1

Substantive definition - Weber

Answer 1

Aim to identify key characteristics shared by major religions. They think a belief can only be classed as a religion if they meet this criteria

Question 2

EVAL - substantive

Answer 2

Focuses on western religion - ethnocentric

Question 3

Functional definition - Durkheim

Answer 3

Looks at what the religion does for the society it exists in.

Question 4

EVAL - functional

Answer 4

Too inclusive - many belief systems could be considered a religion

Question 5

Constructionist definition - Aldridge

Answer 5

Interested in how religions are constucted, challenged and fought over e.g followers of scientology seeing it as a religion although many disagree

Question 6

EVAL - constructionist

Answer 6

Impossible to generalise - too many differing views

Question 7

What is a theistic belief?

Answer 7

A belief in a higher power, both one single god or multiple.

Question 8

What is a new age movement?

Answer 8

Spiritual rather than religious, focus on self development and fulfillment.

Question 9

What is animism?

Answer 9

The belief in ghosts or spirits.

Question 10

What is totemism?

Answer 10

A community that creates a symbol that represents them as a group.This symbol gains sacred significance.