Theories OF Religion PDF

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Lecture notes based on theories of religion...

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THEORIES OF RELIGION  DEFINITIONS-substantive (Weber) a belief in a supernatural power, to be a religion there must be the belief in God. Functional definition (Durkheim)- the terms of function it provides for individuals and integration or answers ‘ultimate questions’. Social constructionist definitions- how members of society define their religion eg. AldridgeScientology has been denied religious rites yet members say its their religion.

 Functionalism- Durkheim- sacred symbols like worshiping society itself, Australian aboriginal tribe worship their totem pole has the same function, sacred symbols represent collective conscience which religion reinforces, Mauss and Durk.- cognitive functions- creates shared categories like time, space etc. HOWEVER- hard to apply scared and profane where there’s 2 religions in a society, doesn’t explain conflict, postmodernists- diversity=fragmented society so no collective conscience. Malinowski- psychological functions- Trobriand Islanders- when the outcome is important but uncontrollable eg. Rituals like canoe magic. At times of life crises eg. Birth, death, puberty, marriage- religion helps minimise disruption. Parsons- reinforces norms an values by making them sacred, Is a source of meaning by answering ‘ultimate questions’ so people adapt. Bellah- Civil Religion- American way of life with symbols like the flag, national anthem and binds Americans together. Functional alternatives- Nazi Germany had non religious beliefs to unite society. However are these religions as don’t have supernatural? It also ignores religious conflict in Northern Ireland.

 Marxism-Marx- religion as an ideology- ruling class use it to legitimise WC suffering and tell them they’ll be rewarded in afterlife. Creates a false consciousness. Lenin- spiritual gin and mystical fog. Alienation- Marx- under capitalism workers are alienated as they don’t own what they make and have no control to express their creativity. Religion acts as a consolation as the ‘opium of the people’. However

Marx ignores positive functions of religion, Althusser- alienation is unscientific, Abercrombie and Turner- religion doesn’t function effectively as an ideology as pre capitalist society it only had a limited effect on peasantry. 

Feminism- religious organisations are male dominated eg. Orthodox Catholicism women cant be priests (Armstrong), places of worship segregate females and participation may be restricted in on period, pregnant etc. sacred texts contain male gods and reflect antifemale stereotypes eg. Eve in the Garden of Eden. Religious laws give women fewer rights eg. Access to divorce, dress codes. However Armstrong- early religions placed women at the centre eg. Goddesses and female priests existed until 6000 years ago. Woodhead- many women feel the veil liberating as they don’t lose their culture. Position of women is changing eg. Church of England has allowed female priests since 1992....