Understanding Definitions and Characteristics of Religion
Explore the complexities of defining religion and its characteristics, including inclusive, functional, exclusivist, substantial, and other definitions. Delve into the essence of religion as it relates to the sacred and supernatural beings, impacting human existence and society.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
You are allowed to download the files provided on this website for personal or commercial use, subject to the condition that they are used lawfully. All files are the property of their respective owners.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
BELIEFS TOPIC 4 SECULARISATION LESSON 1
its very difficult to arrive at a perfect definition of the characteristics of religion there is so much diversity But definitions are very important. Why? Because they determine what should be defined as religious phenomenon and what should not
The way religion is defined has been divided under 4 headings . Inclusivist & Functional definitions i.e. if a definition is inclusive, it s usually functional too! Define religion in a very broad way in which several ideas not usually considered as a religion are included e.g. magic or supporting a football team. They see religion as an essential part of human existence but acknowledge that it can take MANY forms. Religion is seen in terms of the functions (social & psychological) it performs for society. Inclusivist definitions Functional Definitions e.g. Durkheim
Exclusivist & Substantial i.e. if something is an exclusive definition, it s usually substantial too Define religion in a very limited/restrictive way. Refer to beliefs, actions & institutions that are oriented towards supernatural beings and powers beyond the forces of nature. Religion seen more in terms of WHAT IT IS rather than what it does or its function. Refers to a defining characteristic such as belief in a supernatural being e.g. God, as the distinctive feature of religion Exclusivist definitions Substantial definitions
Other definitions: system of beliefs and practices by means of which a group of people struggles with the ultimate problems of life Key to religious beliefs is not that they relate to a supernatural being but that they relate to things which society perceives as SACRED
existence of supernatural beings (powers or forces which are in some way superior to humans and cannot be explained by Western Science) that have a governing effect on life and unifies individuals - Robertson, 1970
