Classical Theories of Religion PDF

Classical Theories of Religion Dr. Gbenga Adejare Background Most classical theories of religion alluded to its utilitarian value There was an impression of differentiation, especially from the perspective of the functionalists The notion of good and bad Equality and disequilibrium Functionalism The...

Classical Theories of Religion Dr. Gbenga Adejare Background Most classical theories of religion alluded to its utilitarian value There was an impression of differentiation, especially from the perspective of the functionalists The notion of good and bad Equality and disequilibrium Functionalism The contribution of Durkheim when he studied Totemism among Australian aborigines is key. Durkheim, while explicating how social cohesion works saw a correlation between types of solidarity and different forms of suicide. Mechanical Solidarity: Because there is strong collective consciousness in this type of solidarity, people commit suicides based o their love for the common good – altruistic suicide (e.g. among soldiers or the Catholic adherents who pledge strong allegiance to their group life) Organic solidarity: Here, life is competitive and individualistic or solitary as a result of burgeoning global capitalism. People commit fatalistic or anomic type of suicide because of the stress in the social system. Functionalism cont’d Religion is a distinction between the sacred and the profane. In worshipping the totem, individuals are worshipping society. Belief in God is an acknowledgement that society is more important than the individual. Religion forges group identity, creates cohesion and reaffirms social solidarity. Before Durkheim was Malinowski Functions of Religion Socialization – religion socializes members into a value consensus by attaching a sacred quality to values. Integration – collective worship strengthens group unity, restraining deviant behaviour. Civil Religion – ritual and ceremony are common aspects of national loyalties. Preventing Anomie – Integration and restrained behaviour prevents a state of confusion and normlessness. Life Changing Events – Malinowksi and Parsons believe religion relieves the stress of life crises. Criticisms of Functionalism Religion cannot socialize us if we do not believe – church attendance figures are declining. Durkheim’s analysis is based on flawed evidence, and he misunderstood totemism and the Australian aborigines. Religion is sometimes dysfunctional and often causes global conflicts, e.g. Northern Ireland. Modern societies are multicultural and multifaith – there is no one unifying force. Many people worship privately rather than collectively – this does not reaffirm group identity. Marxism Religion is an ideological apparatus; an instrument of social control and exploitation. Religion acts as an ‘opium of the people’ – a pacifying drug that numbs the pain. Marx and Engels’ Functions of Religion: Legitimating social inequality Disguising the true nature of exploitation Keeps the working classes passive and resigned to their fate. Some Evidence to Support Marxism The Methodist religion played a key role in preventing working class revolution in 19th century Britain. The wealth of the church should do more to tackle world poverty. Max Weber Material success and hard work demonstrated God’s favour and a place in heaven. Max believe global capitalism is a product of Calvinism Calvinists believed in asceticism. Their hard work and attitudes helped initiate Western economic development and Capitalism. Criticism of Weber Countries with a large Calvinist population such as Sweden did not industrialise like Britain. Slavery, colonialism and piracy were more important than Calvinist beliefs. It has been argued that capitalism predates Calvinism, but Calvinism made their interests appear legitimate. Why do some Religions Encourage Social Change? Belief – religions that emphasize strong moral codes are more likely to produce members who will be critical and challenge social injustice. Culture – change is easier through religion when religion is central to the culture of society, e.g. Ghandi. Social Location – a wide scope of influence is experienced when religion plays a major role in political and economic life. This could be in terms of race, class, gender, and other forms of social statuses Organization – religions with a strong centralized source of authority have more chance of affecting events. Structure of Organized Religion Churches are national, inclusive and have a large membership. They are hierarchical, have a professional clergy and a lifespan of centuries. Churches accept society’s norms and values and require little formal commitment. Denominations are national, with professional clergy and have a lifespan of over a century. They are seen as a basis of non-conformist views and require stronger commitment. Sects: These are small in smaller in size and often have a charismatic leader. They are critical of mainstream society and are reclusive, with their own norms and values. Sects require exceptional commitment. Cults vary in sizes and have a loose structure. They are individualistic and often have an inspirational leader. Cults are often short-lived and die with the leadership. Membership is flexible.