Theories of Religion

Question 1

Durkheim
(What is religion)

Answer 1

Defines religion in terms of contribution to social integration (Func)

Question 2

Aldridge

Answer 2

Scientology is a religion for its followers but Gov sought to ban it

Question 3

Weber

Answer 3

Defines religion as belief in a superior/supernatural power

Question 4

What do functionalists believe is the function of religion

Answer 4

. Human body analogy
^ value consensus makes this possible

Question 5

Durkheim
(Functionalism)

Answer 5

. Cognitive Functions = religion is a tool to reason and think conceptually
. The Sacred = create distinguishment between sacred and profane
. Totemism = studied simplest society to understand essence of religion
^ In reality worshipping society

Question 6

Malinowski

Answer 6

Psychological Functions:
1. When outcome is important but uncertain
2. A time of life crisis

Question 7

Bellah

Answer 7

Civil Religion:
Interested in how religion unifies society - especially multifaith society

Question 8

Parsons

Answer 8

Values/Meanings:
Helps individuals by =
. Creates/legitimises society’s central values
. Creates source of meaning

Question 9

Worsley

Answer 9

Criticises Totemism - no sharp division between sacred and profane

Question 10

Mestrovic

Answer 10

Durkheims theory can’t be applied to contempory society
^ Better suited to small scale societies with single religion

Question 11

Marx
(Religion as Ideology)

Answer 11

Religion operates as an ideological weapon used by ruling class to legitimise suffering - God given

Question 12

Lenin

Answer 12

Religion as an Ideology:
. Describes religion as a ‘spiritual gin’ - given to masses by ruling class to confuse them
. Religion is used to manipulate

Question 13

Abercrombie, Hill and Turner
(Religion as Ideology) - Marxism

Answer 13

Pre-capitalist society Christianity had little impact on peasantry

Question 14

Marx
(Religion and Alienation)

Answer 14

. Religion is an opium of the people - dull the pain of exploitation, masks underlying problem
. Religion arises out of suffering and acts as consolation - fails to deal with it (product of alienation)

Question 15

Althusser
(Religion and Alienation) - Marxism

Answer 15

. Rejects concept - unscientific. Based on romantic idea that humans have ‘true self’

Question 16

Rinaldo
(Feminism)

Answer 16

. Piety movements = Conservative movement that supports traditional teachings about womens role
^ MC may still find ways to further own interests

Question 17

Armstrong
(Feminsim)

Answer 17

. Womens exclusion from priesthood shows how religious organisations are male dominated

Question 18

Woodhood
(Feminsim)

Answer 18

. Criticises Feminist explanations - not true for all religions