1. Theories of religion

• Substantive definition


  Weber: Religion is the belief in a superior or supernatural power that is above nature and cannot be explained scientifically.

  • This is an exclusive definition with western bias.
• Functional definitions


  The social and psychological functions religion performs for society.

  1. Durkheim: religion leads to social integration, people will feel part of a community/ group to look after and support eachother.
  2. Yinger: One function religion plays is that is answers the ‘ultimate questions’ about the meaning of life and what happens when we die.

  • This definition is inclusive, but just because an institution helps integrate individuals, it doesn’t make it a religion.
• Social constructionist definitions


  Interpretivist approach - believe it’s not possible to produce a single, universal definition - each member of society will define religion differently.

  • Aldridge argues for its followers, scientology is a religion even though governments denied its legal status as a religion.
  • Three key beliefs:

  1. Dont assume religion has to include a belief in god.
  2. This definition can get close to the meanings people give to religion and why they may follow a religion.
  3. Cant generalise the nature of religion.