Theories of religion work book questions

Question 1

substantive definition of religion

Answer 1

focus on the content or substance of religious belief, such as belief in God and supernatural. substantive definitions are exclusive- draw a line between religious and non-religious beliefs. SD conform to a widespread view of religion as a belief in God. accused of western bias, exclude religions such as Buddhism- don’t have a western idea of God

Question 2

functional definition of religion

Answer 2

define in terms of social or psychological functions it performs for individuals or society. inclusive . just because an institution helps to integrate individuals into groups, this does not make it a religion

Question 3

constructionist definition of religion

Answer 3

takes an interpretivist approach that focuses on how members of society themselves define religion. impossible to produce a single universal definition of religion. constructionists are interested in how definitions of religion are constructed

Question 4

what is society’s most basic needs

Answer 4

is the need for social order and solidarity. so that its members can operate.

Question 5

According to functionalists, how is order possible in society?

Answer 5

is the existence of a value consensus-a set of shared norms by which society’s members live

Question 6

what is meant by the sacred

Answer 6

holy

all things set apart

Question 7

what is meant by the profane

Answer 7

things that are ordinary

Question 8

what is the significance of totem in clan worship

Answer 8

reinforce the clans solidarity and a sense of belonging.. when a clan worships the totem they are in turn worshipping society

Question 9

what is collective conscience

Answer 9

shared norms, values, beliefs and knowledge that make social life and cooperation between individuals possible- without these society would disintegrate

Question 10

explain how rituals reinforce collective conscience

Answer 10

participating in shared rituals binds individuals together, reminding them that they are part of a single moral community to which they owe their loyalty

Question 11

two cognitive functions of religion

Answer 11

• ability to reason and think conceptually

Question 12

give three criticisms of Durkheim’s views on religion

Answer 12

• Worsely- no sharp division between the sacred and the profane.
• Durkheim’s theory only applies to small scale societies with single religions
• Mestrovic- Durkheim’s ideas cannot be applied to contemporary society, increasing diversity has fragmented collective conscience

Question 13

Briefly outline the two types of situation in which Malinowski suggests religion promotes social solidarity

Answer 13

1. when the outcome is uncontrollable thus uncertain. Malinowski contrasts fishing in the lagoon and in the ocean
   - lagoon fishing is safe and uses the predictable/successful method of poisoning, no ritual
   - ocean fishing is dangerous/uncertain and is accompanied with “canoe magic”-ensures safe expedition