Theories of Religion

• Religion is a Conservative Force:

  > functionalism

  > marxism

  > feminism
• Functionalism and Religion:

  > religion unites people (Durkheim)

  > religion answers ultimate questions (Parsons)

  > religion provides comfort (Malinowski)

  > religion integrates society - civil religion (Bellah)
• Marxism and Religion:

  > religion provides comfort (Marx)

  > religion maintains capitalism (Marx/Lenin)

  > religion legitimates the hierarchy
• Feminism and Religion:

  > religion legitimates the gender hierarchy - sacred texts

  > religion maintains patriarchy - religious organisations

  > religion segregates the sexes - places of worship

  > religion is an instrument of male domination - laws and customs
• Religion is a Force for Social Change:

  > Weber and Calvinism

  > Neomarxism (Gramsci)

  > Principle of hope (Bloch)

  > Liberation theology

  > Examples - Civil Rights movement, New Christian Right, Iranian revolution