Functions of Religion in Society Essay - 1381 Words

In its simplest form any religion may be seen as a belief system. This system may affect values, laws, customs, rites and general behaviour patterns. Religion may affect the individual, group, community or nation. It may play a peripheral or an integral role within society. Its structure may be as complex as any large organisational bureaucracy or as simple as a two-way relationship between a person and object/subject of worship. The function of religion in a society is often to explain to the people in that society their primal origins, the nature of life, the function and aims of life and reasons for living. To put it simply, to answer the question why am I here? In the past religion has been used as a control mechanism, a way of†¦show more content†¦The beliefs and values a society holds are often incorporated into the religion. Collectively they may constitute the morality of a society. The laws and rules governing a society can reflect this morality. Control and systems of punishment can be woven into the fabric of religion and in some societies are a dominant feature. Punishment may be immediate and harsh acquiring legitimacy through the years or it may be postponed until after death when the severity is magnified by mysticism and imagination. The alternative to punishment may be to control through forgiveness and penance, mercy is a fine quality and most societies recognise its value and influence. Religion may be seen as one social process among many social processes. It is the product of human minds, a complex social entity that has been passed down through generations. As a product of society it is inextricably bound up with other social products such as politics, economics, law, music and art. It has however an energy of its own, once born it can develop and change of its own accord; it can generate its own rules. In general it is meaningful only to those who belong to the culture from which the religion emerged. Religion can be transferred from one culture to another, but usually with difficulty and with questionable success. Religions can be as varied as the many different cultures from which they emerge. The major world religions may be listed as follows :- •Show MoreRelated Functionalist View on the Role and Functions of Religion in Society716 Words   |  3 PagesFunctionalist View on the Role and Functions of Religion in Society Assess the view that sociological arguments and evidence support the Functionalist view of the role and functions of religion in contemporary society. Functionalists believe that religion is a conservative force, and an institution which adds to the requirements of society. They say it ultimately operates as an agency of socialisation. Durkheim (1912) said that all societies are separated into the profane Read MoreEvaluate Feminist Views on the Role and Functions of Religion in Society Today.724 Words   |  3 Pagesviews on the role and functions of religion in society today. Feminists see religion as an instrument of patriarchy which means that society is based around male domination; they believe that this is a set of beliefs and practices responsible for women’s subordination. However functionalists believe otherwise and argue that its function is not to oppress women but to keep society stable whilst Marxists believe that religion oppresses the working class not females. Most religions argue that thereRead MoreEvaluate Postmodernist Explanations of the Role and Functions of Religion in Contemporary Society.1606 Words   |  7 Pagesof the role and functions of religion in contemporary society. Postmodernist religion can be defined as any type of religion that is influenced, interpreted or shaped by postmodernism and postmodern philosophies. Postmodern religion is not an attempt to banish religion from society; rather, it is a philosophical approach to religion that considers orthodox assumptions that may reflect power differences in society rather than universal truths. A postmodern interpretation of religion emphasises theRead MoreMarx And Durkheim On Religion839 Words   |  4 PagesMarx and Durkheim on Religion SOC201 998036931 Kirsten Kelleher Both Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim formulate similar sociological theories regarding the epistemology and origin of religion and religious beliefs. Both thinkers acknowledge a necessary connection between community and religion. As antagonistic, functionalist thinkers, both Marx and Durkheim maintain that â€Å"God† or the â€Å"divine†, is merely a projection of human beings highest ideals and greatest characteristics creating a â€Å"God† like illusionRead MoreThe Main Function of Religion According to Sociological Arguments685 Words   |  3 PagesThe Main Function of Religion According to Sociological Arguments Many sociologists believe that the main function of religion is to provide people with a code of conduct, which regulates personal and social life. There are two main theories to what role religion plays within society. One of these theories is the Marxist theory. Marxism sees society as superstructure. They believe that society isn’t peaceful and is based on conflict and exploitation. Religion makes thisRead MoreFunctionalist approach to religion1623 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿Discuss the functionalist perspective on religion. (20 marks) The functionalist perspective is a consensus theory; it believes that society has a set of shared values and beliefs. Durkheim was the 1st functionalist to develop the idea that religious institutions play a central part in creating and maintaining value consensus, order and solidarity. The anthropologist, Malinowski, built on Durkheims idea and expanded with his own ideas. The functionalists, Parsons and Bellah later added theirRead MoreSociological Perspectives Of Functionalism, Conflict Theory And Symbolic Interactions882 Words   |  4 Pagesinteractions. In looking at how religion functions in social structures, social systems, and small group interpersonal interactions a sociologist could formulate a better understanding of religion s role in society and the human experience. The sociologist looks at the individual, and how that individual connects to a specific societal location or setting and specifically at religion a sociological study could determine the power religion holds over people and societies. Understanding the culturalRead MoreAssess the usefulness of functionalist theories in understanding religion today920 Words   |  4 Pagesusefulness of functionalist theories in understanding religion today (33 marks) Functionalists have put forward their perspective on religion and how it benefits both society and the individual starting with how religion brings people together harmoniously, creating social cohesion and a sense of belonging as people believe in the same thing and all abide by the same rules. Religion creates and maintains a value consensus whilst giving society social order. By conforming to religious beliefs thisRead MoreSociological Perspectives Of Structural Functionalism1490 Words   |  6 Pagespaper –religion (as a primarily social rather than theological or psychological phenomenon) and the effects on societies. In looking at how religion functions in social structures, social systems, and small group interpersonal interactions sociologists could formulate a better understanding of religion s role in society and the human experience. The sociologist looks at the individual agency, and how that connects to a specific societal location or setting. Specifically, in th e case of religion a sociologistRead MoreEmile Durkheim Was A French Sociologist And Philosopher.1003 Words   |  5 PagesOne of his most prominent interests as a scholar was religion. In particular, the manner in which religion has developed throughout the history of the human race. While Durkheim wrote a good deal on religion, perhaps his most important work on religion was written in The Elementary Forms of Religious Life. In this work, Durkheim examines Australian Totem religious as fundamental forms of the human religious experience. His ideas regarding religion are largely based off of his studies of Australian