Theories of religion Flashcards
1
Q
What is the Substantive definition of religion?
A
- these focus on the content or substance of religious belief such as belief in God or the supernatural
- Weber 1905) religion is a belief in the superior or supernatural power that is above nature and cannot be explained scientifically
- exclusive as they draw clear line between religious & non religious beliefs
2
Q
AO3 substantive definition
A
- defining religion in this way leaves no room for beliefs & practices that perform similar functions to religion but do not involve belief in a God (exclusivist)
- Western bias
3
Q
What is the functional definition of religion?
A
- defined in terms of the social or psychological functions religion performs for individuals
- Durkheim defines religion in terms of its contribution it makes to social integration
4
Q
AO3 functional definition
A
- functional definitions are inclusive, allowing us to include a wide range of beliefs & practices that perform functions such as integration
- No bias against non-western religions e.g. Buddhism
- focuses on positive aspects of religion, ignores issues like religious dogmatism, persecution
5
Q
What is the constructionist definition?
A
- social constructionists take an interpretivist approach that focuses on how members of society themselves define religion
- not possible to produce a single universal definition of religion to cover all cases
- do not assume that religion always is a belief in God or the supernatural
6
Q
What are social constructionists interested in and example?
A
- how definitions of religion are constructed challenged and fought over
- Aldridge shows how for its followers Scientology is a religion, whereas several governments have denied legal status as religion & sought to ban it
- shows that the definition of religion can be contested & influenced by who has the power to define it
7
Q
A03 constructionist definition
A
- impossible to generalise about the nature of religion, since their are differing views on what counts
8
Q
General functionalist view on society?
A
- society is a system of interrelated parts or social institutions (religion, family, economy)
- society is like an organism, with basic needs it must need in order to survive
- needs are met by different institutions with different functions
- basic need of society= social order
- order possible= existence of a value consensus
9
Q
Durkheim on religion (sacred and profane)
A
- key feature of religion was not belief in God or the supernatural but fundamental difference between the S & P
- sacred= things set apart & forbidden, inspire feelings of awe, fear & wonder
profane= things that have no special meaning or significance- ordinary & mundane
10
Q
What does that fact that sacred things evoke such powerful feelings indicate to Durkheim?
A
- that this is because they are symbols representing something of great power
- this thing can only be society itself > society powerful enough to command such feelings
- people worshipping society when they worship sacred symbols
- sacred symbols= unite believers
11
Q
Where did Durkheim believe that the essence of all religion could be found?
A
- by studying its simplest form- in the simplest type of society = clan society
-Studied Arunta Aboriginal Australian tribe with a clan system
12
Q
What do Arunta clans do?
A
- consist of bands of kin who come together periodically to perform rituals involving worship of a sacred totem (animal/plant)
- symbolises clans origins and identity
- Shared totemic rituals venerating it serve to reinforce the groups solidarity & sense of belonging
13
Q
What did Durkheim argue the clan members were worshipping?
A
- when worshiping their totemic animal- they are in reality worshipping society
- totem inspires feelings of awe because it represents power of the group
14
Q
In Durkheim’s view what do the sacred symbols represent?
A
- represent society’s collective conscience; shared norms, values, beliefs & knowledge that make social life and cooperation between individuals possible
- without these society would disintegrate
15
Q
What do regular shared religious rituals reinforce for Durkheim?
A
- the collective conscience & maintains social integration
- binds individuals together reminding them that they are part of a single moral community
16
Q
AO3 Durkheim on the functions of religion
A
17
Q
What dos Malinowski argue religion performs?
A
- psychological functions for individuals, helping them cope with emotional stress that would undermine social solidarity
18
Q
What is the first situation Malinowski identifies that would undermine social solidarity?
A
- Where the outcome is important but is uncontrollable and uncertain
-Study of Trobriand islands contrasts fishing in the lagoon with ocean fishing
-lagoon- predictable, safe, no ritual
ocean- dangerous & uncertain, rituals to ensure safe expedition, eases tension, gives confidence, and reinforces group solidarity
19
Q
What is the second situation Malinowski identifies that would undermine social solidarity?
A
- A time of life crisis such as birth, puberty, marriage
- religion helps to minimise disruption e.g. funeral rites reinforce a feeling of solidarity among the survivors
