bellah and civil religion

• What is civil religion according to Bellah?

  An overarching belief system in society
• How does civil religion integrate society in America?

  It attaches sacred qualities to society itself
• What criteria must one meet to be considered a true American in Bellah's view?

  Loyalty to the nation state and belief in God
• How is civil religion expressed in America?

  Through rituals, symbols, and beliefs
• What are functional alternatives according to Bellah?

  Non-religious beliefs that perform similar functions
• Can civil religion exist without a belief in God according to Bellah?

  Yes, it can involve secular belief systems
• What issue does the idea of functional alternatives face?

  It ignores what makes religion distinctive
• What positive functions does religion perform according to functionalist theories?

  It reinforces shared values in society
• What does the evaluation of functionalist theories highlight about religion?

  It can be a source of conflict and oppression
• What question arises regarding civil religion's classification?

  Is it really considered religion?
• What does the classification of civil religion depend on?

  Which definition of religion is adopted