Theories of religion Flashcards
What is the substantiative definition of religion? (2)
They focus on the content or substance of the religious belief, like belief in God or the supernatural.
They are exclusive meaning they draw clear lines between religious and non-religious beliefs.
What is the functional definition of religion? (2)
Define it in terms as the social or psychological functions it performs for society.
They are inclusive allowing us to include a wide range of beliefs and practices that perform functions like integration.
What is the constructionist definition of religion?
It focuses on how members of society themselves define religion.
They do not assume that religion always involved a belief in God or the supernatural.
What does religion contribute for Functionalists?
It contributes to value consensus and reinforces social integration.
What did Durkheim argue about religion? (2)
He found out the elementary forms of religious life which linked to the sacred and profane.
This is where the sacred had special significance creating feelings of respect and the profane were ordinary everyday things.
What was the first form of religion that was discovered?
Totemism
What is totemism and what does it do? (3)
This is associated the Arunta which is an Australian Aborginal tribe. Each clan had their own totem.
This makes totems sacred which reinforces collective conscience which binds society together.
They also came together to perform rituals where they gained collective effervescence which is a heightened feeling of energy.
What did Malinowski argue?
Religion performs psychological functions helping people cope with two types of events: uncertainty and life crises.
How does psychological functions help with uncertainty?
Fishing is an important survival activity for the islanders. People performed canoe magic before fishing in the open sea.
Lagoon fishing was dangerous so doing this ritual allowed them to feel more safe.
How does psychological functions help with life crises?
Certain events like birth and death can cause stress and anxiety. In all societies these life crises are surrounded by religious rituals because they reinforce a feeling of control and minimises disruptions.
What is a strength of Durkheim’s ideas?
Religion today keeps society in social order and social solidarity. This means that people share the same set of norms and values.
What are criticisms of Durkheim’s ideas? (3)
It is not representative because it’s only based on one religion meaning that other communities cannot be involved.
Bellah - civil religion. A belief system attaches sacred qualities to society itself. E.G: Americans perform rituals like the pledge of allegianceand national anthem.
There is now increasing diversity which means thats the collective conscience has become fragmented so there is more than one set of norms and values.
What two concepts does Parsons argue about religion?
Value consensus
Mechanism of adjustment
What does value consensus mean?
There are different beliefs and laws people have to follow which creates a value consensus because they are all following the same laws.
What is mechanism of adjustment?
They answer existential questiond of life or death and it helps to adjust to difficult events therefore maintaining their commitment to values.
What two quotes do Marxists use to describe religion?
‘Religion is the opium of the people’
‘Religion is a kind of spiritual gin’
How does Marxism describe society?
It acts as a system where the infrastructure (economy) influences the superstructure (social institutions)
The superstructure transmits bourgeoisie ideology and promotes false class consciousness.
What is evidence to support the Marxist view?
For the Hindus there is a natural rank order of humans which is called the Caste System.
They believe in reincarnation and people’s behaviour in previous lives will determine their caste. This maintains the status quo.
There are different ranks like the Dalits where they are considered as unclean.
You are not allowed to change their caste.
What does ‘It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of Heaven’ mean?
It encourages poor people to believe that if they go through all of this struggle now they have a better chance of getting into heaven.
How is there evidence of patriarchy in religious organisations? (3)
Male dominated
Stain glass ceiling
Women can’t lead a prayer.
How is there evidence of patriarchy in sacred texts? (3)
Rabbi’s prayer
Double standards in Judaism
Women should remain silent in the place of God.
How is there evidence of patriarchy in places of worship? (2)
Segregation of men and women
Men have better access and opportunities.
How is there evidence of patriarchy in religious laws and customs? (3)
A man can marry up to 4 times but a woman can only marry 1.
Women must dress modestly.
Taliban - used religion as a way to keep patriarchy.
What does Simone de Beauvoir argue? (3)
Women are seen as the second sex and she argued that the oppressors (men) use religion to control the oppressed group (women)
She argued that religion is an instrument of dection because it encourages women to accept their secondary status by promising them equality in heaven (false gender consciousness)
Religion maintains the status quo which keeps patriarchy going and keeps women and the bottom.
