Starter:

Theories of ReligionBreaking down the meaning

Learning Outcomes

Understand the different ways in which religion is interpreted.

Explain the theories associated with the different perspectives.

Functionalism – Harmony and Social Cohesion

What does Religion do for society?

What purpose or ‘function’ does it serve?

Totemism

Essence of religion could be found by studying its simplest form

Arunta – Australian Aboriginal tribe with a clan system

Rituals with the totem reinforces groups solidarity

Durkheim argues that by worshipping the totem they are in fact worshipping society

Represents the power of the group on which the individual is dependent

Malinowski

Religion addresses situations of emotional stress that can potentially harm social order

Stress

Disruption Tension

RELIGION

Parsons

Religion as a coping mechanism. It creates and legitimates societies central

values. Primary source of meaning. Answering the ‘big’ questions.

Bellah

Similar to Parsons in that he is interested in religion as a unifying factor

‘Americanism’ – sacred qualities attached to society.

IN God WE TRUST

Criticism

Functional views ignores what makes religion distinctive which is a connection to the supernatural.

Ignores negative impact of religion – oppression, religious conflict

Marxism

Feature of a class divided society Once the working class overthrow

the bourgeoisie there will be no need for religion

Religion as ideology -‘Religion is the opium of the people’

Class that controls economic production also controls distribution of ideas through institutions such as church, school and media

Religion as Ideology - cont

Weapon to legitimize suffering of the poor – false consciousness

According to Lenin – ‘spiritual gin’

Legitimating social inequality– i.e. divinely ordained Kings

Disguising exploitation – poverty is due to past sin and wealth is given by God.

Keeping the Working class passive – Suffering is virtuous, will be rewarded in heaven.

Religion and Alienation

Becoming separated from something that one has produced or created.

Capitalism disallows the workers to be creative beings.

There is no meaning is their work and they must turn to religion for consolation.

Offers illusory happiness in the form of a promised afterlife never dealing with the cause of suffering.

Criticisms

Ignores positive functions of religion. Althusser (Marxist) rejects idea of

alienation -unscientific Religion does not always function as

a means of control – Abercrombie and Turner argue that in pre-capitalist society Christianity had a limited impact on the peasantry.

Feminist Perspective – Sexism in Religion

Society is PATRIARCHAL Religion is a tool that perpetuates

this ideal or inequality

Evidence of Patriarchy in Religion

Organizations – exclusion from priesthood

Places of Worship – sexes can segregated with males given more sacred spaces.

Sacred Texts – feature male Gods, prophets etc… Anti-female stereotypes.

Laws and Customs – fewer rights, harsher punishments, regulate domestic role

Karen Armstrong and Nawal El Saadawi argue that the rise of monotheism has worked to legitimize the power of men over women.

Religion has been shifted to reflect Patriarchal views.

Adam and Eve (Lillith)