P2 Beliefs in Society - Defining Religion

Question 1

Why define religion?

Answer 1

Defining religion is important, as the definition adopted will decide what should be examined as a religious phenomenon and what should not

Question 2

What does Berger believe?

Answer 2

The “sacred canopy” prevents anxiety and gives meaning.

Religion can be:
- “monotheistic”
- “polytheistic”
- spiritual without a belief in god

Question 3

What is religion?

Answer 3

Nature of beliefs has varied so widely that it is very difficult to identify common factors that allow for simple definitions.

Question 4

Sociology definitions can be divided into what 3 broad categories?

Answer 4

1. Substantive definitions
2. Functional definitions
3. Polytheistic definitions

Question 5

What is the substantive definition?

Answer 5

Focuses on the content or substance of religious beliefs.
- Tylor (“belief in spiritual beings”)

Question 6

What does Bruce state about substantive definitions?

Answer 6

He “believes in actions and institutions which assume the existence of supernatural entities with powers of a action”

Question 7

Evaluation of Substantive Definition:

Answer 7

Strength:
- Widely accepted ( conform to a widespread view of religion as belief in god )

Criticism:
- Leaves no room for beliefs and practices that do not involve belief in gods ( e.g should the Ambas belief in magic be seen as religious )
- The definition provides a very broad understanding of religion
- Western bias ( excludes non god religious in Buddhsim )

Question 8

What is the functional definition?

Answer 8

Religion actually does something and it benefits society - focuses on the functions of beliefs in society.

Assumptions: religion is a product of society.

Contribution to society - binding through shared values

Question 9

What does Yinger 1970 argue?

Answer 9

Religion is a system of beliefs and practices by means of which a group of people struggle with the ultimate problems of human life.

A functional definition helps with big questions

Question 10

Evaluation of functional definitions:

Answer 10

Positives:
- There is no bias against non western religions such as Buddhism as no direct mention of god - inclusive

Negatives:
- Broad argues that an anti religious system contributes to the understanding of society.
- Assumption that all religion is useful and functional to society.

Question 11

What is the polythetic definition?

Answer 11

This approach identifies a number of overlapping factors that most religions share.

To qualify as a religion a set of beliefs needs to exhibit a number of these factors but no necessarily all of them.

Question 12

What does Southwold state?

Answer 12

1. A concern with godlike beings
2. A concern with the sacred
3. A focus on salvation
4. Rituals and practices
5. Beliefs based on faith
6. An ethical code
7. Supernatural sanctions
8. Mythology
9. Sacred texts and oral traditions
10. Priests or other religious elites
11. Link with a moral community, church

Question 13

What are the problems of polythetic definitions?

Answer 13

1. It is not clear how many factors need to be shared in order for something to be considered a religion
2. Decision of what to include in the list itself is a matter of judgement - who decides?

Question 14

What are the 5 accepted features of religion?

Answer 14

1. Beliefs - supernatural or symbols which are regarded as sacred (e.g holy water)
2. Theology - a set of teachings and beliefs (holy books)
3. Practice - rituals and ceremonies
4. Institutions - organisation of worshippers, priests or religious leaders
5. Consequences - moral and ethical values to influence everyday behaviour

Question 15

What does Gidden’s argue?

Answer 15

Working definitions: “religions involve a set of symbols, invoking feelings of reverence or awe and are linked to rituals or ceremonials engaged in by community of believers