Religion

• Integrative function


  Combining two or more things to form an effective unit or system
• Integrative function of religion


  The role of religion in bringing together individuals or communities through shared beliefs, values, rituals, and practices
• Religion tends to provide a social glue, offering purpose and meaning to people's lives
• Religion


  An organised and integrated set of beliefs, behaviours and norms that address basic social needs and values
• Emile Durkheim: 'Religion consists of things that surpass the limits of our knowledge'
• Religion (Durkheim's definition)


  A unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, that is to say set apart and forbidden beliefs and practices which unite into one single moral community called a church, all those who adhere to them
• Sociological approaches to defining religion


  • Substantive
  • Functional
  • Social constructionist
• Theistic religions


  • Revolve around one or more deities, who are usually immortal, and while superior to humans, are also similar in their personalities and consciousness
• Animism


  • A belief system based on the existence of ghosts and spirits which influence human behaviour and the natural world, either for 'Good' or 'Evil'
• Totemistic religions


  • Based on the worship of one particular symbol, or totem, which also refers to one tribe or family
• New Age Movement


  • The collective term for eclectic belief-based movements that preached the coming of a New Age in spirituality
• For many social scientists, religion is what helps us manage the evil that assault our lives and individuality and as group help us get on with our lives
• Karl Marx: 'Religion is the sight of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world'
• Marx sees religion as less a device for pacifying suffering than it is a protest against that suffering
• Marx sees religion as an inverted consciousness
• Functions of religion (Durkheim)


  • Gives meaning and purpose to life
  • Reinforces social unity and stability
  • Acts as an agent of social control
  • Promotes greater psychological and physical well-being
  • Motivates people to work for positive social change
  • Controls sexuality
• How religion brings the community together


  • Through shared beliefs, rituals and values
  • Provides a sense of belonging and identity
  • Holds regular gatherings where people can come together and share their faith
  • Emphasizes principles like compassion, empathy, and charity
  • Engages in charitable work and other forms of service
• The integrative function of religion plays a crucial role in society by fostering a sense of community, providing moral guidance, and promoting social cohesion
• While religion can lead to conflict at times, its ability to unite people under shared beliefs and values ultimately contributes to the fabric of society
• The Quran contains 114 chapters, known as suras, which are divided into sections called ayat.
• Muslims believe that Allah revealed the Quran to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel over a period of twenty-three years.
• The Quran is the holy book of Islam.
• The Quran emphasizes the importance of prayer, fasting during Ramadan, giving alms (zakat), pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj), and performing good deeds.
• It serves as a guidebook for Muslims on how to live their lives according to God's will.
• Islam teaches that there is only one God, who is merciful and just.
• Islam teaches Muslims to be just, fair, honest, truthful, and trustworthy in their dealings with others.
• In Islamic tradition, Adam was created from clay and given dominion over all living things on earth.
• Islam teaches that there is only one God, who is all-powerful and merciful.
• Adam's wife, Eve, was made from one of his ribs and tempted him to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
• Allah is considered the most important figure in Islamic belief.