Theories of religion

• Substantive definitions of religion

  • Focus on the content of religious beliefs - belief in supernatural, holy texts etc
  • Conform to the view religion is a belief in God
  • Exclusive
• Functional definitions of religion

  • What religion does for people and society
  • Doesn’t conform to the idea that religion is a belief in God
  • Inclusive
• Constructionist definitions of religion

  • Interpretivist approach
  • How do individuals define religion
  • Interested in how definitions are created, changed and fought over
  • Dont conform to view that religion is a belief in God
  • Inclusive