Theories of Religon

Question 1

Substantive def of religion

Answer 1

Having belief, such as that in the supernatural or in god.

Question 2

Functional def of religion

Answer 2

Perfoming a function of some sort
Yonger views religion as answering ultimate qs such as those regarding death.

Question 3

Constructionist def of religion

Answer 3

Religion depends on the interpretation of the individual who is belieiving.
Aldridge uses scientology as an example, some think its a science and some think its a religion.

Question 4

Functionalist Theories of religion

Answer 4

Makes a distinction between the Profane and sacred
Sacred - special
Profane - day to day things

Question 5

Functionalist Theories of religion
Totemism

Answer 5

All religion can be found by looking at its simplest form

Question 6

Functionalist Theories of religion
The collective conscience

Answer 6

Religion plays an important part to the individual, makes them feel important as they are part of something larger. For example shared religious rituals make us feel part of a larger more important group.

Question 7

Functionalist Theories of religion
Cog functions

Answer 7

Answers questions
Is the core of human thought, reason and science.

Question 8

Functionalist Theories of religion
Psych functions

Answer 8

-Yinger : answers ultimate questions regarding death.
Malinowski deathis the main reason for faith

Question 9

Functionalist Theories of religion
Parsons

Answer 9

• SOCIALSOLIDARITY
• SENSE OF MEANING

Question 9

Functionalist Theories of religion
Parsons

Answer 9

• SOCIALSOLIDARITY
• SENSE OF MEANING

Question 10

Functionalist Theories of religion
Civil religion

Answer 10

religion unifies all worshippers in the society - Bellah

Question 11

Functionalist Theories of religion
Criticisms

Answer 11

• In such diverse places how does religion unify
• Ignores religion as source of conflict

Question 12

Marxist theories of religion
Religion as an ideology

Answer 12

Marxists see religion as an ideology which benefits the ruling class
Religion is an ISA and jusitifies suffering makingit look like will of god which should not be questioned
Lenin (80) Spiritual GIN
16TH CENT divine right of king justifies places in soc

Question 13

Marxist theories of religion
Religion and alienation

Answer 13

• religion arises as a colution for suffernig however does not explain the causes of suffering such as class inequality

Question 14

Criticisms of Marxist theories

Answer 14

Do not look at positive functions of religion

Abercrombie Hill and Turner (15) look at how religion such as christianity acc holds more mc ideology and less peasantry.

Question 15

Feminist theories of religon
Patriarchy

Answer 15

• Male dominated religions ARMSTRONG lack of female priests
• segregated places of worship marginalising women
• devaluation of women HOLM menustrating muslims cant touch the quran
• religious laws benefit men and give women less rights

Question 16

ARMSTR EARLY RELIGION

Answer 16

eARLY RELIGION OFTEN PLACSED WOMEN AT ITS CORE