Focus on content/substance of the religious belief (God or the Supernatural).
*Weber- religion is a belief of the superior/supernatural power, its above nature & cant be explained scientifically.
Are exclusive, draw line between religious and non-religious beliefs.
Conform to widespread view of religion as a belief in god.
Accused of being Western Bias because they eclude religions such as, Buddhim as they do not believe the Western idea of God.
1 of 7
Functional Definitions
Define religiion by social/psychological functions that it performs for the society or individuals.
*Durkheim- religion is the contribution that makes social integration, rather than God/Supernatural.
*Yinger, finds functions that the religion performs for individuals, answering ultimate questions about meaning of life and what will happen when we die.
Advantage- are inclusive, can beleive wide range of beliefs, such as integration.
Not bias against non-Western religions (Buddhism).
2 of 7
Constructionist definitions
Interpretivist approach, focuses on memebers of society and how they define religion.
argue it is not possible to produce single universal definition of Religion.
interested in how the definitions of religion are constructed.
*Aldridge- scientology is a religion, governments have banned its legal status, definitions of religion can be consented and are influenced by who has the power in defining the situation.
do not believe that religion involves a belief in god or the supernatural.
can get closer to the meanings people give religion.
3 of 7
Functionalist Theories of Religion
see religious institutions as playing a central part in creating/maintaining value consenus, order and solidarity.
*Durkheim, religion is the fundamental distinction between sacred and profane.
Sacred- things set apart & forbidden, inspire feeling of fear, surronded by taboos and prohibitions.
Profane- no special significane, ordinary and mundance.
*Durkheim, sacred inspires feelings of fear because they are symbols that represent great power can only be society itself, as it is the only thing that commands such feelings.
Worship sacred symbols.
*Durkheim- scared symbols vary from religion to religion, all perform essential function of unting believers to a single moral community.
4 of 7
Cognitive Functions of Religion
*Durkheim- religion is the origin of concepts and categories that are needed for reasoning, understanding the world and communicating.
Religion is the origin of human thought, reason and science.
5 of 7
Criticisms
*Worsley- no division between sacred and profane.
*Mestrovic- Durkhei's ideas cant be applied to contemporary society because increasing diversity has fragmented the collective conscience. No longer a single shared value system for religion to reinforce.
6 of 7
Psychological Functions
*Malinowki argees with Durkheim that religion promotes solidarity.
Does so by performing psychological functions for individuals.
Lagoon Fishing- uses predictable and successful method of poisoning, when islanders fish in lagoon, there is no ritual.
Ocean Fishing- dangerous & uncertain, by 'canoe magic' t snure a safe and successful expedition. Gives people sense of control
Comments
No comments have yet been made