Theories of religion Flashcards
Substantive definitions-
They draw a clear line between religious and non- religious beliefs. To be a religion, their must be a belief in a god or the supernatural.
Functional definitions-
functionalist approach
Define it in terms of the social or psychological functions it performs for individuals or society. Yinger says- it is the function it performs for the person, such as answering the ultimate question.
Consturctionist definitions- (interpretivist)
Its how the religion effects individuals, religion is not universal but personal.
Durkheim- the sacred and the profane (Functionalist)
The sacred- things set apart and forbidden, inspire feelings of awe, fear and wonder, surrounded by taboos and prohibitions.
The profane- no special significance, ordinary and mundane.
The fact some things are sacred is because they represent something of great power. He says this powerful thing is society, these sacred items unite the community.
Durkheim - Totemism (Functionalist)
Arunta clans unite periodically to perform rituals around the sacred totem. This is the calls emblem and them worshipping together reinforces their solidarity and sense of belonging. This is actually worshipping society.
Religion therefore, creates collective conscience, binds individuals together, and reinforces their loyalty.
Malinowski- Psychological functions (Functionalist)
Religion performs psychological functions to an individual during times of stress.
- where the outcome is important but is uncontrollable or uncertain.
- At times of life crises. Religion helps to minimise disruption. Eg funerals reinforce the feeling of solidarity among the survivors, while the notion of immorality gives comfort. - he argues death is the main reason for religion.
Parsons - values and meanings (Functionalist)
- Religion creates and legitimates society’s basic norms and values by sacralising them.
- Religion also provides a source of meaning, it answers the ultimate question about the human condition such as why the good suffer. By answering these questions we can understand life better, making it still meaningful and therefore keeping us within society value and norms. (Keeps us caring and not just dropping out and doing whatever we want).
Bellah - civil religion (Functionalist)
Civil religion is a belief system that attaches sacred qualities to society itself, eg The American way of life. This can be seen by the pledge to the flag or signing of the national anthem etc. This unites everyone as they all believe in America and its values.
Marx - religion as ideology (Marxist)
Religion is used by the ruling class to legitimise the suffering of the poor as something inevitable and god-given. It misleads the poor into believing their suffering is virtuous and that they will be favoured in the afterlife.
Marx - religion and alienation (Marxist)
under capitalism workers are alienated because they do not own what they produce and do the same task everyday. Religion acts as an opium to mask the pain, but it doesn’t treat the cause.
Evidence of patriarchy (Feminism)
- Religious organisations - mainly male dominated, Armstrong- women often can’t be priests showing their marginalisation.
- Places of worship- women have to sit in certain areas, Islam menstruating women can’t touch the Qur’an.
- Sacred texts- male gods and stories have anti-female stereotypes eg eve.
- Religious laws and customs- women have fewer rights, how many spouses they have.
Armstrong - Women as leaders of religion (Feminism)
Early religion did not see women oppressed but often as leaders. Until 6000 years ago women priest were common, as were earth mother goddesses. Since monotheistic religions (one god) most gods are male and women have been oppressed.
Gilliat Ray - religious forms of feminism
Young British muslim girls said they were happy to wear the Hijab, it meant their parents allowed them to go to further education and get jobs. They saw the Hijab as a symbol of liberation rather then it being problematic.
