Theories of religion

Question 1

What is the Substantive definition of religion?

Answer 1

• 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

Question 2

AO3 substantive definition

Answer 2

• 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

Question 3

What is the functional definition of religion?

Answer 3

• 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

Question 4

AO3 functional definition

Answer 4

• 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

Question 5

What is the constructionist definition?

Answer 5

• 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

Question 6

What are social constructionists interested in and example?

Answer 6

• 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

Question 7

A03 constructionist definition

Answer 7

• impossible to generalise about the nature of religion, since their are differing views on what counts

Question 8

General functionalist view on society?

Answer 8

• 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

Question 9

Durkheim on religion (sacred and profane)

Answer 9

• 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

Question 10

What does that fact that sacred things evoke such powerful feelings indicate to Durkheim?

Answer 10

• 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

Question 12

Where did Durkheim believe that the essence of all religion could be found?

Answer 12

• by studying its simplest form- in the simplest type of society = clan society
  -Studied Arunta Aboriginal Australian tribe with a clan system

Question 13

What do Arunta clans do?

Answer 13

• 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

Question 14

What did Durkheim argue the clan members were worshipping?

Answer 14

• when worshiping their totemic animal- they are in reality worshipping society
• totem inspires feelings of awe because it represents power of the group

Question 15

In Durkheim’s view what do the sacred symbols represent?

Answer 15

• represent society’s collective conscience; shared norms, values, beliefs & knowledge that make social life and cooperation between individuals possible
• without these society would disintegrate

Question 16

What do regular shared religious rituals reinforce for Durkheim?

Answer 16

• the collective conscience & maintains social integration
• binds individuals together reminding them that they are part of a single moral community

Question 17

AO3 Durkheim on the functions of religion

Question 18

What dos Malinowski argue religion performs?

Answer 18

• psychological functions for individuals, helping them cope with emotional stress that would undermine social solidarity

Question 19

What is the first situation Malinowski identifies that would undermine social solidarity?

Answer 19

• 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

Question 20

What is the second situation Malinowski identifies that would undermine social solidarity?

Answer 20

• 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