A2 Sociology; Defining Religion and Types of Religion

• Attempts to explain what religion actually is.

Durkheim - "Unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things - Unite people into 1 single moral community."

• Define religion in terms of Supernatural beliefs

Robertson - "Refers to the existence of supernatural beings that have a governing affect on life.

Criticism

Hamilton

• Some belief systems do not contain a belief in Supernatural beings.
• Not sure which beliefs should be called religious - Ghosts? Magic?

• Define religion in terms of it's uses and purposes for individuals and societies.

• Yinger - "System of beliefs and practices by means of which a group of people struggle with the ultimate problem of life"

Criticism

• Too Broad; any belief system can be included if they give meaning to a life.

Scharf - "Allows any kind of enthusiastic purpose shared by a group to be a religion"

• Assumes that religion plays a useful role in society.
• Roles and purposes of religion may vary between societies and individuals.
• Phrases such as the "ultimate problem of life" are open to varied interpretations.
• Too inclusive - It's too easy to qualify as a religion.

Creating a list of possibly over-lapping characteristics that religion has, although no religion has all of them. Southwold;

• Based on a 'power outside of ourselves' - a belief not supported by evidence (Faith)
• A theology
• Provides a reason for existence; make sense of the world.
• Salvation from the ordinary world.
• Ethical/Moral code to aid decision making.
• Sanctions
• Influence the social institutions that make up society.
• Objects defined as 'holy'
• Religious rituals and a religions elite
• Single Moral Community

Criticism

• Not clear how many of the factors need to be shared for it to be a 'religion'
• Items on the list are a matter of judgement

Totemism

• Small - scale tribal societies.
• Totems - animals or plants believed to possess supernatural powers. Ceremonies organised around a particular totem, which is treated as sacred.

Animism

• Believe in Ghosts and Spirits - Good or bad.
• Believe the have a huge influence on human behaviour - cause illness and death.

Monotheistic Religion

• Believe in One divine power or God.

Polytheistic religion

• Believe in a number of separate Gods.