Theories Of Religion Flashcards
Substantive definitions
Focus on beliefs in religions such as the belief in God or the supernatural
Max Weber - defining religion
Belief in a supernatural/superior power that is unexplainable by science
Substantive definitions - Criticisms
- No room for practices that perform similar religious
* Western bias - excluding Buddhism
Functionalist definitions
How it affects individuals socially or mentally
Emile Durkheim - definition of religion
Contribution to social integration not belief in God
Milton Yinger - functions of religion
Answers ultimate questions
- meaning of life
- life after death
Functional definitions - criticism
Institutions may create social integration but it may not be a religion
Constructionist definitions
How individuals view religion
Impossible to have universal definition
Marx - religious ideology
The ruling class legitimise capitalism through religion - poor will be rewarded in the afterlife = suffering now is worth it
Caste system - Hinduism
Status is ascribed and can not be escaped
- rich maintain their wealth as God has favoured them and their generations to come
Rebellion against religion
Seen as a illegal/sinful
- against God and his representatives
How men maintain control in religion
- they lead services/religious organisations
- have more rights than women
- sacred texts interpreted and written by men
- sexes are segregated
Linda Wood-head
traditional religion is patriarchal, not all religion
- hijab seen as oppressive
Sophie Gilliat-Ray
The hijab to British Muslim women is a symbol of liberation
- can have normal lives without being condemned as immodest
Evaluation of Marx on Religion
- ignores positive functions of religion = creating a sense of unity
- Althusser rejects alienation as unscientific
