Religion definitions

Question 1

Substantive definition

Answer 1

Focus on content of belief such as a God or the supernatural
Weber- belief in superior power that is above nature and cannot be explained scientifically
Must include a God or supernatural- leaves no room for beliefs that don’t believe in God
Accused of Western Bias as exclude religions that don’t have Western idea of God

Question 2

Functional definitions

Answer 2

Defined by social or psychological function
Durhkeim- contribution it makes to social integration rather than any specific God
Yinger- identifies functions performs for individuals, answering “ultimate questions” e.g. what happens when die
Allow range of beliefs and practices, doesn’t specify god so no western bias
Integration doesn’t necessarily mean religion

Question 3

Constructionist

Answer 3

Focus on how members define religion, can’t produce universal definition
Interested in how religion constructed, challenged and fought over
Aldridge- scientology religion to followers but governments denied religion status and tried to ban it
Religion definitions can be influenced by who has power
Cant generalise about nature of religion as differing views over what counts as religion