Theories of religion

Question 1

How do functionalist see society ?

Answer 1

See society like an organism with basic needs that it must meet to survive.

Each institution performs certain functions to maintain the social system by meeting a need

Question 2

What does Durkheim (1915) argue ?

Answer 2

That religious institutions plays a central part in creating and maintaining value consensus, order and solidarity.

Question 3

For Durkheim, what is the key feature of all religions?

Answer 3

A fundamental distinction between the sacred and the profane

Question 4

Define…
Sacred-

and

Profane-

Answer 4

Sacred- things set apart and forbidden, inspire feelings of awe, fear and wonder with taboos and prohibitions.

Profane- ordinary things with no special significance.

Question 5

Rituals

Answer 5

Religions are more than a set of beliefs, it has sacred rituals or practices and these rituals are collective - performed by social groups.

Question 6

The Sacred and the profane

Question 7

What were Durkheim’s main concepts ?

Answer 7

cxdxxdxcdxsxssxxs