Theories of religion

Question 1

What are the three ways to define religion?

Answer 1

1- Substantive
2- Functional
3- Constructionist

Question 2

What is a substantive definition? Who proposed the defenition?

Answer 2

A substantive definition is one that believes in a god and draws a line between religious beliefs and non-religious beliefs.

It was proposed by Weber.

Question 3

What is a functional definition? How does Durkheim define it?

Answer 3

A functional definition of religion is one that defines it in terms of the social or psychological function it performs for the person.

Durkheim defines religion in terms of the contribution it makes to social integration.

Question 4

How are substantive definitions criticised?

Answer 4

They exclude beliefs and practices that exclude a definitive god

Question 5

How are functional definitions criticised?

Answer 5

Social integration, while positive, does not make something a definitive religion

Question 6

What is a constructionist definition?

Answer 6

An interpretivist one that looks at how specific members define religion, rather than using it’s belief system or social integration as a definition

Question 7

How are constructionist definitions criticised?

Answer 7

As they’re highly individual they cannot generalise the nature of religion

Question 8

What perspective is Durkheim?

Answer 8

Functionalist

Question 9

What are his 4 religious ideas?

Answer 9

1- The sacred and the profane
2- Totemism
3- The collective conscience
4- Cognitive functions of religion

Question 10

What is the difference between sacred and profane things according to Durkheim?

Answer 10

• The sacred are forbidden, the inspire a sense of awe

- The profane is anything else that doesn’t warrant a sense of awe

Question 11

What does Durkheim say people are worshipping when they worship sacred objects?

Answer 11

Society itself

Question 12

What did Durkheim study as he believed Religion could be understood by studying its simplest form?

Answer 12

Clan society

Question 13

What did Durkheim argue about Totemism?

Answer 13

When Clansmen worship a totem they are, in fact, worshipping society themselves but are unaware of such

Question 14

What does Durkheim propose about religion and its collective conscience?

Answer 14

That by being involved in regular religious events the collective conscience in society is reinforced. It also helps the individual by making them feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves

Question 15

Why does Durkheim argue that religion has cognitive functions?

Answer 15

He argues it gives humans the ability to classify things and create categories to share information through. For example, the origin of the universe and time can be explained through god doing it

Question 16

How does Worsley criticise Durkheim’s S&F + Totemism?

Answer 16

He argues there is no sharp division between the sacred and the profane. In the same respect, different clams are known to share totems meaning they aren’t exclusive to the religion

Question 17

How do postmodernists refute Durkheim’s functions of religion?

Answer 17

They argue that in contemporary society the increase in diversity has fragmented the collective conscience

Question 18

Malinowski agrees with Durkheim, claiming religion does offer social solidarity but which two situations is it said to happen in?

Answer 18

1- Where the outcome is important but uncontrollable, therefore uncertain
2- At times of life crises

Question 19

What two essential functions does religion play in the eyes of Parsons?

Answer 19

1- It create and legitimates society’s central values

2- It is the primary source of meaning