What is religion?

Question 1

What are the 3 types of definition?

Answer 1

functional, substantive, constructionist

Question 4

what are the 3 types of definition?

Answer 4

functional, substantive, constructionist

Question 5

what is the functional definition of religion + sociologists?

Answer 5

broad / religion is defined by the social and psychological functions it performs for society e.g integration and comfort
Durkheim - defines religion in terms of the contribution it makes to social integration
Yinger - functions religion performs for individuals e.g answering ‘ultimate’ questions

Question 6

strengths of the functional definition

Answer 6

inclusive, lacks bias

Question 7

weaknesses of the functional definition

Answer 7

many things bring comfort and integration but aren’t religious - too broad e.g football and nationalism

Question 8

what is the substantive definition + sociologist

Answer 8

narrow / exclusive / focuses on what religion actually is / must hold supernatural beliefs
Weber - defines religion as belief in a superior or supernatural power that is above nature and cannot be explained scientifically

Question 9

strengths of the substantive definition

Answer 9

includes non-conventional beliefs e.g Wicca and Satanism / most widely used

Question 10

weaknesses of the substantive definition

Answer 10

western bias - excludes religions which do not have the Western idea of God e.g Buddhism

Question 11

what is the constructionist definition + sociologist

Answer 11

there is not one definitive definition / focus on how beliefs come to exist
Aldridge - for its followers, Scientology is a religion but several governments have denied its legal status as a religion → definitions can be contested and are influenced by those who have power to define

Question 12

what example does Aldridge give of definitions of religion being contested?

Answer 12

Scientology

Question 13

strengths of the constructionist definition

Answer 13

gives power to define religion to the people themselves

Question 14

weakness of the constructionist definition?

Answer 14

can be too subjective and cause conflict

Question 15

what are the features of religion?

Answer 15

Belief in sacred beings, powers or symbols
Religious acts or prayers
Institutions, organisation, clergy (places of worship)
Theology - set of teaching or beliefs, usually based on holy scripture
Moral/ethical values or code with supernatural origin - with consequences for actions

Question 16

what are the 4 types of religion?

Answer 16

theism, new age movements, animism, totemism

Question 17

what is totemism? + example

Answer 17

Totemism: form of animism in which a community creates a symbol that represents them as a group. The symbol gains sacred significance and is believed to protect the people it represents e.g Australian Aborigines

Question 18

what is animism? + examples

Answer 18

belief in spirits and ghosts that can positively or negatively impact the human or natural world / more prevalent in pre-industrial societies and non-industrial societies (e.g Paganism and ancient religions such as Aztecs)

Question 19

what are new age movements? + examples

Answer 19

spiritual belief systems focused on self development and fulfilment rather than a devotion to higher power / usually based on Eastern religions e.g Buddhism / Reiki and Yoga are examples

Question 20

what is theism?

Answer 20

belief in a higher power that could be 1 god ( monotheism) or multiple gods (polytheism) / beliefs and practices stem from the supernatural beings

Question 21

what is monotheism?

Answer 21

belief in 1 god

Question 22

what is polytheism?

Answer 22

belief in multiple gods