What is religion?
- Created by: Becky Shoon
- Created on: 14-01-14 12:01
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- What is religion?
- Substantive definitions
- These attempt to explain what religion actually is.
- Tylor (1903) defined religion as 'belief in spiritual beings'.
- Durkheim (1915) introduced the idea of practices into his definition.
- Group activity.
- Certain symbols are linked with a sacred power.
- Polythetic definitions
- These define religion by creating a list of possible characteristics that make up a religion but accept that no one example will share them all.
- Southwold (1978)
- A concern with the sacred.
- Rituals and practices.
- Link with a moral community, e.g. church.
- Supernatural sanctions if the code is violated.
- Functional definitions
- Yinger (1970) "Religion is a system of beliefs and practices by means of which a group of people struggles with the ultimate problems of human life.
- Too broad + assume that religion plays a useful role in society.
- Substantive definitions
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