Definitions of religion

Definitions of religion

1. Substansive

   • MUST have certain content- belief in God
   • Can explain purpose of existance
   • WEBER (1905) Religion is a belief in a superior or supernatural power
   • Western Bias- excludes beliefs that perform a similar function but do not believe in a God
   • Narrowly focused- only focuses on God not the funtion of the religion
   • Cannot be explained scientifically

2. Functional

   • DURKHEIM- furthers social cohesion
   • Defines religion through societal function
   • Inclusive- no religious content
   • YINGER (1970) identifies functions such as answering 'ultimate questions' about life/death
   • Too broad- many non-religious belief systems are concerned with the explanation of the human condition
     • E.g. Science and philosphy
   • 'CIvil religion' is sometimes used when something has a quasi-religious effect

3. Social constructist

   • Not one definition as religion is a social construct
   • Measures religiousity- how religious on a personal level
   • Definitions influenced by power
   • ALDERIDGE (2007) Scientology- followers believe it but others (E.g. Governments reject it
   • DURKHEIM & MARX- Religion is a product to explain the unexplainable to bring communities together and justify power inequalities