Religion

Question 1

Fundamental definition of religion

Answer 1

Aims to derive a phenomena by what it does
What a religion aims to do (its function)
1. foster social integration
2. maintain civil sense of order
3. motivates collective action

Question 2

Substantive definition of religion

Answer 2

aims to define a given phenomena through a virtue of its substance – the content of a religion (belief system or prominence of a transcendent force (God))

Question 3

Modernity

Answer 3

Phenomena where a society has experienced economic growth and has a strong state
Culturally constructed idea made to benefit certain interests

Question 4

Modernization

Answer 4

Process of becoming modern
European powers agreed to use process of modernization to colonize different parts of the world
Used as a justification for modernization

Question 5

Modernization Theory and Secularization

Answer 5

Secularization is a process through which societies become less religious and more modern
Modernization decreases existential crisis, less religiosity
High human development leads to smaller levels of religiosity

Question 6

Institutional Theory of Secularization

Answer 6

Societies differentiate when they modernize
Differentiation: where religious institutions/organizations tend to become increasingly autonomous
From the state: more complex societies develop varied institutions
Focus of the stat has been on other institution that adds to the strength of the state/development (socioeconomic, political) of the state
Reduces the influence and scope of religion in politics