Topic 1 - Theories of Religion Flashcards
What are the 3 types of definition for religion?
Substantiative, Functional, Constructionist
What are substantiative definitions of religion?
- Focus on content or substance of religious belief, like belief in God or the supernatural.
- These definitions are exclusive - they draw a clear line between religious and non-religious beliefs.
- They conform to a widespread view of religion as belief in God.
Max Weber (1905) on substantiative definitions
Max Weber (1905) defines religion as belief in superior or supernatural power that is above nature cannot be explained scientifically.
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Limitations of substantiative definitions
- However have western views on God which may not apply to Buddhism, a polytheistic faith. This is where they believe in more than one god.
- Substantive definitions might still be too inclusive. For example, people who believe in fate, magic, or UFOs might be included as religious according to the above definition.
Functional definitions of religion
- Focus on social or psychological functions it performs for individuals or society.
Emile Durkheim (1915) functional definition of religion
Emile Durkheim (1915) defines religion in terms of the contribution it makes to social integration, rather than specific belief in God or the supernatural.
Milton Yinger (1970) functional definition of religion
Milton Yinger (1970) identifies functions that religion performs for individuals such as answering ‘ultimate questions’ about the meaning of life and what happens when we die.
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Strengths of functional definitions
- Inclusive - allow us to include a wide range of beliefs and practises that perform functions such as integration - the ways that different groups come together to form a whole in society.
- No bias against non-western religions like Buddhism
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Limitations of functional definitions
- Just because an institution helps integrate individuals into groups, doesn’t make it a religion. E.g. collective chanting at a football match gives a sense of integration but doesn’t make it a religion
Interpretivist approach
Constructionist definitions of religion
- Social constructionists take an interpretivist approach that focuses on how members of society themselves define religion.
- Interpretivists argue that the study of human society must go beyond empirical and supposedly objective evidence to include subjective views, opinions, emotions, values.
- They argue it isn’t possible to produce a single, universal definition of religion. They are interested in how definitions of religion are constructed, challenged and fought over.
Alan Aldridge (2013) constructionist definition and what it shows
Alan Aldridge (2013) shows how Scientology is a religion for its followers. On the other hand, several governments have denied its legal status as a religion. This shows that definitions can be contested and are influenced by who has power to define the situation.
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Strenghts of constructionist definitions
- Does not assume belief in god or supernatural, or that it performs similar functions for everyone in all societies.
- Allows them to get close to individualistic meanings
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Limitations of constructionist definitions
- Impossible to generalise about the nature of religion due to widely differing views
Functionalist theories of religion main idea
Functionalism sees religion performing positive functions for society and individuals,
These include solidarity and integration; provision of values and meanings, and psychological functions.
Functionalists also identify functional alternatives such as civil religion.
Key thinkers in functionalism and religion
- Durkheim (Sacred & Profane, Totemism, Collective Conscience & Cognitive Functions)
- Malinowski (Psychological Functions)
- Parsons (Values and meaning)
- Bellah (Civil Religion as Functional Alternative)
What did Durkheim (1915; 1962) believe was the key feature of religion
The sacred and the profane
What is the sacred and the profane?
The sacred- things we set apart as extraordinary, which inspire awe and wonder
The profane- things considered mundane and ordinary elements of everyday life
Explanation for Durkheim’s idea that ‘people are worshipping society itself’
- sacred things represent something of power
- this can only be society itself since it’s the only thing powerful enough to command such feelings
- therefore, people are worshipping society itself.
Durkheim - main function of sacred symbols
They all perform the essential function of uniting believers into a single moral community.
What is totemism?
Totemism involves the belief in a sacred relationship between an object (totem) and a human kinship group.
What is clan society?
Clan society is the simplest type of society in which religion is found.
Which clan society did Durkheim use?
Durkheim used studies of the Arunta, an Aboriginal Australian tribe with a clan system.
Outline Arunta clans
- Arunta clans consist of groups of kin who periodically perform rituals of a sacred totem
- It is the clan’s emblem, such as an animal or plant symbolic of its origins and identity
- The totemic rituals serve to reinforce the group’s solidarity and sense of belonging
utterly dependent
How do rituals religious institutions play a central part in creating and maintaining value consensus?
Worship of the totem/rituals group creates social solidarity actually worshipping society.
Individual is ‘utterly dependent’ - it reminds the individuals of their complete reliance and dependence on the group for their identity, survival, and social cohesion.