Beliefs in society Flashcards
When did non-religious belief emerge ?
Within the 19th century - Beliefs such as political beliefs developed e.g. Marxism
How did Giddens argue religion should be defined ?
To define religion you must establish what religion isn’t for example assuming all religious worship 1 God.
He also rejects the idea that religion explains the origins of life.
How many definitions of religion is there ?
4 : • Substantive • Functional • Constructionist • Polytheistic
Describe the substantive definition .
Weber: defines religion as a belief in a superior or supernatural power that can’t be explained scientific.
But this definition is accused of western bias as excludes Buddhism that don’t believe in a God.
Describe the Functional definition .
Religion is defined in terms of the social or psychological function. Durkheim believed a function of religion is social integration.
This is a very inclusive definition. But just because an institution integrates individuals it doesn’t make it a religion.
Describe the constructionist definition .
An interpretivist approach by focusing on how individuals define religion. They argue religion is constructed and challenged. As scientology is considered by few governments to be given a legal religious state.
This makes it difficult to generalise the nature of religion.
Describe the polythetic definition .
Religion is created by a list of ideal characteristics that make up a religion.
It is an adaptable definition. But it’s not clear how many characteristics are required to be a religion.
What are the different types of religion ?
- Totemism
- Animism
- Theism
Outline Totemism .
It is associated with small-scale tribal societies and cultures. Totems were believed to possess supernatural powers and considered sacred. They were either carvings of animals or plants.
It helped developed Durkheim’s functionalist’s theory of religion.
Outline Animism .
The belief in ghosts or spirits that are either good or evil. They are regarded to be influential on human behaviour.
It can be associated with small-scale tribal societies.
Outline Theism .
This is centred around the belief in a sacred higher power over human behaviour.
It is divided into 2 types; monotheistic (1 God) and polytheistic (number of Gods) religion.
What is a religious organisation ?
Where people express their faith through membership e.g. within a church.
What is the 4 ideal types of religious organisation ?
- Churches
- Sects
- Dominations
- Cults
What is a sect ?
Small religious organisations that are often hostile to wider society. Can be seen as groups breaking away from existing religion.
What is a cult ?
Small religious groups which may not belief in God and tend to have less tension with wider society.
