Theories of religion Flashcards
What are the three ways to define religion?
1- Substantive
2- Functional
3- Constructionist
What is a substantive definition? Who proposed the defenition?
A substantive definition is one that believes in a god and draws a line between religious beliefs and non-religious beliefs.
It was proposed by Weber.
What is a functional definition? How does Durkheim define it?
A functional definition of religion is one that defines it in terms of the social or psychological function it performs for the person.
Durkheim defines religion in terms of the contribution it makes to social integration.
How are substantive definitions criticised?
They exclude beliefs and practices that exclude a definitive god
How are functional definitions criticised?
Social integration, while positive, does not make something a definitive religion
What is a constructionist definition?
An interpretivist one that looks at how specific members define religion, rather than using it’s belief system or social integration as a definition
How are constructionist definitions criticised?
As they’re highly individual they cannot generalise the nature of religion
What perspective is Durkheim?
Functionalist
What are his 4 religious ideas?
1- The sacred and the profane
2- Totemism
3- The collective conscience
4- Cognitive functions of religion
What is the difference between sacred and profane things according to Durkheim?
- The sacred are forbidden, the inspire a sense of awe
- The profane is anything else that doesn’t warrant a sense of awe
What does Durkheim say people are worshipping when they worship sacred objects?
Society itself
What did Durkheim study as he believed Religion could be understood by studying its simplest form?
Clan society
What did Durkheim argue about Totemism?
When Clansmen worship a totem they are, in fact, worshipping society themselves but are unaware of such
What does Durkheim propose about religion and its collective conscience?
That by being involved in regular religious events the collective conscience in society is reinforced. It also helps the individual by making them feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves
Why does Durkheim argue that religion has cognitive functions?
He argues it gives humans the ability to classify things and create categories to share information through. For example, the origin of the universe and time can be explained through god doing it
How does Worsley criticise Durkheim’s S&F + Totemism?
He argues there is no sharp division between the sacred and the profane. In the same respect, different clams are known to share totems meaning they aren’t exclusive to the religion
How do postmodernists refute Durkheim’s functions of religion?
They argue that in contemporary society the increase in diversity has fragmented the collective conscience
Malinowski agrees with Durkheim, claiming religion does offer social solidarity but which two situations is it said to happen in?
1- Where the outcome is important but uncontrollable, therefore uncertain
2- At times of life crises
What two essential functions does religion play in the eyes of Parsons?
1- It create and legitimates society’s central values
2- It is the primary source of meaning
