Theories Of Religion Flashcards
What is Parsons view on the function of religion?
- Religion is an important part of the cultural system : it provides guidelines for action and standards against which people’s conducts can be evaluated.
- in Judaeo Christian societies the ‘Ten Commandments’ act in this way. The commandment ‘thou shalt not kill’ gives rise to many norms regarding the way in which society deals with conflict and suffering (prohibits manslaughter, murder and euthanasia)
- Parsons argues that human beings are likely to experience problems from time to time. Religious significance is related to the disruption which emerges for individuals. There are 2 categories:
1) people are ‘hit’ by problems which they are often unprepared for,e.g death. Religion AIDS adjustment to such events and help restore a sense of morality
2) problems of ‘uncertainty’ which involve reactions to natural disasters or weather destroying crops. Religion aids adjustment and restores the confidence of the individual and community. - religion helps to allay tension which might otherwise disrupt social order
- suffering can become meaningful if it is seen as a test of faith: a punishment for sins or the will of God which may be rewarded in heaven.
- religion helps “makes sense” of personal suffering in a consistent manner.
What are criticisms of Durkheim’s theory?
It’s consensual assumptions underestimate religion as a source of social conflict,e.g. Northern Ireland
What are criticisms of Parsons?
Religion can be negative and disruptive rather than being purely consensual.
What are the main points of Durkheim’s theory?
- religion functions to maintain social order in society.
- he looked at primitive communities. Within tribes there are clans and each one has a “totem”, which operates as an emblem and symbolises everything which is important to the clan, Eg it becomes sacred
- Feasting, dancing and religious assembly reinforces the group and therefore each individual’s emotional investment in society.
- The main emphasis of Durkheim’s view is the way in which religion functions to integrate people into society in order to maintain social solidarity and social order.
- shared values are essential if a society is to continue and religion contributes to such values and shared moral beliefs in the form of “collective conscience”.
What did Marx believe?
- he believed that religion operated as a tool of ruling class control in society. Religion is a part of the superstructure and is shaped by the economic base which is dominated by the ruling class
- the ruling class use religion as a form of social control which allows them to impose their capitalist values on society
- religion is a “human creation” (a series of myths, which justifies the subordination of the subject class and the domination by the bourgeoisie
- false consciousness is reinforced by religion as a part of ruling class ideology : it perpetuates anti-revolutionary ideas and sentiments
- by dulling the pain produced by oppression, religion helps the exploited majority to come to terms with their suffering and to accept status quo (e.g. The hymn ‘all things bright and beautiful’ supports inequalities of existing social order)
- religion promises the alienated masses a paradise of bliss after death - making their misery on earth more bearable
- religion is an ‘opiate of the masses’ : a conservative force which acts as a means of control, maintaining exploitation & inequality
- the oppressed majority is prevented from working to overthrow the system which is exploiting them as a consequence of religious ideas
What are Calvinism?
The Protestant beliefs and values of the scholar John Calvin which emphasise values such as HARD WORK & THRIFT. These values are similar to those of capitalism.
What is hegemony?
The DOMINANT IDEOLOGY or common sense in society. Neo-Marxists believe that hegemony or ideological control is never total in society in that the ruling class constantly strive to impose their views
What does opiate of the masses mean and who said it?
Quote from Marx suggesting that religion has a drug like influence on the great mass of people in that it helps them to cope with the pain of oppression and discourages action to change society on their part.
What is value consensus?
Society is seen as being based on agreement which is partly as a consequence of the influence of religion
What do feminists believe?
They see society as patriarchal - that is based on male domination. Many feminists regard religion as a patriarchal institution that reflects and perpetuates this inequality. Religious beliefs functions as a patriarchal ideology that legitimated female subordination.
Give evidence of patriarchy in religion
- places of worship segregate the sexes & marginalise women
- women’s participation is restricted ( can’t preach/read from sacred texts)
- in Islam menstruating women aren’t allowed to touch the Qu’ran
What does Karen Armstrong argue? (Opposition to partiachy)
Armstrong argues that early religions often placed women at the centre. For example, earth mother goddess, fertility cults, and female priesthood were found in the Middle East until about 6,000 years ago. However, from about 4,000 years ago the rise of monotheistic religions saw the establishment of single, all powerful male God.
What does Woodhead argue?
She argues that there are “religious forms of feminism” - ways in which women use religion to gain greater freedom and respect. She uses the example of the hijab or veil worn by many Muslim women.
