Religious Views in Society

Question 1

What was Richard Dawkins view on Religion?

Answer 1

• Dawkins was a noted Atheist and Evolutionist
• He stated that Religious faith is essentially childish and that to believe in God is as immature as believing in the Tooth Fairy or Father Christmas
• Believed Religious faith is irrational, because it involves blind trust in the absence of evidence
• Dawkins did not believe in the presence of the soul
• Religious faith is Anti-Scientific and the product of life can be explained by evolution

Question 2

What was Karl Marx (Marxism) view on Religion?

Answer 2

• Marx was an Atheist who believed that the existence of God was an impossibility
• He did not criticise the logic of Religion as a set of beliefs but rather that Religion reflects society and therefore any criticism of Religion is a criticism of society
• Marx saw religion as a form of social control, as the product of men and the product of those in power
• Religion diverts people’s attention from their miseries, he saw miseries as consequences of exploitation
• Religion teaches obedience to authority as a condition for achieving future happiness through salvation
• Religion promotes stability within society

Question 3

What was the Functionalist Perspective?

Answer 3

• The Functionalist Perspective on Religion suggests religion is that it contributes to the fulfilment of social order and stability within society
• Concentrates on how Religion contributes to cohesion of society
• Views Religion as an integrative force in society because it has the power to shape collective beliefs
• Religion promotes cohesion and social order in society by promoting a sense of belonging
• Religion provides meaning and purpose to life
• Religion helps people deal with emotional stress
• Supported by Durkheim

Question 4

What was Durkheim’s View of Religion?

Answer 4

• A significant Functionalist
• Religion contributes to the fulfilment of social order and stability within society
• Believed Religion has sacred items
• Religion unites people into ‘clear communities’
• Religion promotes social cohesion and a sense of belonging