Nature Of Religion

Question 1

Who says religion is a conservative force

Answer 1

Functionalism
Marxism
Feminist

Question 2

What do functionalists say

Answer 2

Religions is conservative force because it functions to maintain social stability.It protects social solidarity by passing on collective conscience protecting society from change which would create anomie.religion helps individuals by reducing anxiety in times of life crisis such as death .In a multi faith society civil religion also act as a force by binding together people of other cultures

Question 3

What do Marxists say

Answer 3

Religion is a conservative ideology because it prevents revolution.It legitimated position of r/c and disguises exploitation of proletariat.Does is by creating false class consciousness

Question 4

What do feminists say

Answer 4

Socialises to conform to patriarchal norms e.g religious doctrines proclaim Male superiority the organisation of religions is Male led and religious practices are more controlling of women’s behaviour

Question 5

Religion as a force force for social change

Answer 5

Bruce
Neo Marxism
Weber

Question 6

Bruce

Answer 6

Bruce uses CRM in Usa to show how religion can bring social change.CRM included protests,boycotts, and equal political rights.
Bruce argues clergy were leaders of the movement
Their churches were used as meeting places proving a source of unity through prayer
The black clergy were able to shame whites into changing the law by appealing to shared Christian values.Religion acts as ideological resource providing belief to turn for inspiration and support

Question 7

Neo Marxist theory

Answer 7

Bloch-argues religion can encourage social change by presenting principle of hope-our dreams for a better life(utopia)
Religion can therefore help people see what needs to change in society and combined with effective political leadership can bring social change

Question 8

Liberation theology

Answer 8

Movement in Brazil 1960s time of extreme poverty and dictatorial gov.As a result priest in Brazil developed a theology based on praxis(practical action guided by theory) helped like establish support groups called base communities developed education teaching poor how to improve situation.
Can act as social change

Question 9

Weber’s theory

Answer 9

Weber studies Calvinism who believed in predestination god had decided future nothing u can do to change where u go.Created salvation panic among Calvinism burden of not knowing what god had predestined for them
To help them cope with this panic Calvinist practiced asceticism abstinence from luxury.
So they worshiped god through work,Protestant work ethic-creating caparalism.