BELIEF: TOPIC 1
What is religion?
Substantive definition: Belief in God and the supernatural.This definition is
exclusive, bias towards western religions and draws a clear line between religion
and non- religion
Functional definition: The contribution and function it performs for individuals and
society. It is inclusive but just because it is an institution and provides a function
doesn’t make it a religion
Constructionist definitions: how members of society themselves define religion,
which is a broad concept, losing the meaning of religion being special and distinctive.
Theorists and religion
Functionalists theories of religion
Religion maintains value consensus,order and solidarity
Durkheim on religion
The sacred and the profane
The scared: Things that inspire feeling of awe and fear
The profane: Things that have no special significance
● Religion involves rituals or practices in relation to the scared, these rituals are
collective
● The fact that scared things evoke such powerful feelings indicates that they
are symbols representing something powerful.
● Durkheim sees this power thing as society as only it can be powerful enough
to command such feelings.
● When we worship the sacred symbols we actually worship society
● These symbols vary from religions. It has a role in uniting believers into a
simple moral community
Totemism
● Token symbolises origin and identity
● Durkheim studied the Arunta (an Aboriginal Australian Tribe) and found that
bands of kin come together to perform ritual worship of a sacred totem - The
token symbolises the clan's origin and identity and reinforces the group's
solidarity and sense of belonging.
What is religion?
Substantive definition: Belief in God and the supernatural.This definition is
exclusive, bias towards western religions and draws a clear line between religion
and non- religion
Functional definition: The contribution and function it performs for individuals and
society. It is inclusive but just because it is an institution and provides a function
doesn’t make it a religion
Constructionist definitions: how members of society themselves define religion,
which is a broad concept, losing the meaning of religion being special and distinctive.
Theorists and religion
Functionalists theories of religion
Religion maintains value consensus,order and solidarity
Durkheim on religion
The sacred and the profane
The scared: Things that inspire feeling of awe and fear
The profane: Things that have no special significance
● Religion involves rituals or practices in relation to the scared, these rituals are
collective
● The fact that scared things evoke such powerful feelings indicates that they
are symbols representing something powerful.
● Durkheim sees this power thing as society as only it can be powerful enough
to command such feelings.
● When we worship the sacred symbols we actually worship society
● These symbols vary from religions. It has a role in uniting believers into a
simple moral community
Totemism
● Token symbolises origin and identity
● Durkheim studied the Arunta (an Aboriginal Australian Tribe) and found that
bands of kin come together to perform ritual worship of a sacred totem - The
token symbolises the clan's origin and identity and reinforces the group's
solidarity and sense of belonging.
