Knowledge organised

• What is the focus of substantive definitions of religion?

  They look at the content or substance of religious belief.
• According to Weber, how is religion defined?

  Religion is a belief in a superior or supernatural power.
• Why can't religion be explained scientifically according to Weber?

  Because it is above nature.
• What is a limitation of Weber's definition of religion?

  It creates a division between religious and non-religious beliefs.
• What is a criticism of Weber's definition of religion regarding beliefs?

  It rejects beliefs and practices that do not involve a belief in God.
• What is a Western bias in Weber's definition of religion?

  It excludes Buddhism, which does not share a Western idea of God.
• What does the functional definition of religion focus on?

  It looks at the social and psychological functions religion performs.
• According to Durkheim, what contribution does religion make to society?

  It contributes to social integration.
• What ultimate questions does Yinger suggest religion helps answer?

  Questions like what happens when we die.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the functional definition of religion?

  Strengths:

  • Inclusive definition
  • Embraces a wide range of beliefs and practices
  • Reduces Western bias

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Non-religious institutions can perform similar functions
  • Examples like chanting at a football match show limitations
• What do constructionist definitions of religion focus on?

  They focus on how definitions of religion are constructed and contested.
• What does Aldridge argue about Scientology?

  For its followers, Scientology is considered a religion.
• What does the contestation of religion by governments indicate?

  It shows that religion can be influenced by those with power.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of constructionist definitions of religion?

  Strengths:

  • Does not assume a belief in God is necessary
  • Recognizes varying functions of religion in different societies
  • Uncovers meanings people give to religion

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Impossible to generalize about the nature of religion
  • No agreement on the meaning of religion
• What does religiosity refer to?

  The extent to which someone sees themselves as religious.
• What is fundamentalism in the context of religion?

  It is an appeal to tradition and a return to the basics of faith.
• What does secularization mean?

  It means the decrease in power that religion has in society.
• What is ideology in the context of sociology?

  A set of ideas, values, and beliefs that provide a means of interpreting the world.
• What are the characteristics of theistic beliefs?

  Belief in a higher power, either monotheistic or polytheistic.
• What distinguishes the New Age movement from traditional religions?

  It focuses on self-development and fulfillment rather than devotion to a higher power.
• What is animism?

  Belief in spirits and ghosts that can impact the human or natural world.
• What is totemism?

  A form of animism where a community creates a symbol representing them.
• According to Durkheim, what is a key feature of religion?

  The distinction between the sacred and the profane.
• What does the sacred represent in Durkheim's view?

  It represents society itself.
• How do symbols function in religion according to Durkheim?

  They unite believers in a single moral community.
• What is the collective conscience in Durkheim's theory?

  It represents shared norms, values, beliefs, and knowledge.
• How do rituals contribute to social life according to Durkheim?

  They remind individuals of their membership in a moral community.
• What cognitive functions does religion serve according to Durkheim?

  It is the origin of human thought, reason, and science.
• What concepts does religion help people understand?

  Concepts such as time, space, cause, substance, and number.
• How does Malinowski view the role of religion in social solidarity?

  Religion promotes social solidarity and helps individuals cope with emotional stress.
• In what situations does religion perform a psychological function according to Malinowski?

  When the outcome is important but uncontrollable, and during life crises.
• What example does Malinowski give for the need for rituals in fishing?

  Lagoon fishing requires no ritual, but ocean fishing does.
• How does religion help minimize disruption during funerals according to Malinowski?

  Funeral rituals reinforce solidarity among survivors and provide comfort about immortality.
• What does Worsley criticize about Durkheim's evidence on totemism?

  He argues that the evidence is unsound and that there is no clear division between sacred and profane.
• What is a limitation of Durkheim's theory regarding large-scale societies?

  It is better applied to small-scale societies with a single religion.
• What does Mestrovic argue about Durkheim's ideas in contemporary society?

  He argues that increasing diversity has fragmented the collective conscience.
• What are the two essential functions of religion according to Parsons?

  It creates and legitimates society's central values and is the primary source of meaning.
• How does religion sacralize society's central values according to Parsons?

  By making them sacred and legitimizing them.
• What ultimate questions does religion answer according to Parsons?

  Questions about the human condition, such as why the good suffer.
• What does Bellah argue about civil religion in the USA?

  It unifies society by attaching sacred qualities to society itself.