1. Access to HE – Sociology Changing Beliefs
Week 1 – What is religion?

2. What is religion? Definition re|li¦gion [rɪˈlɪdʒ(ə)n] NOUN
the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods:
"ideas about the relationship between science and religion"synonyms: faith · belief · divinity · worship · creed · teaching ·
[Oxford English Dictionary]

3. What do we mean by religion?
Does it always involve a belief in the supernatural?
Should we define religion in terms of different beliefs or in the role it plays in society?
Think for a moment and write down 3 functions of religion in society…
Who benefits from these functions?

4. What is religion? Alain de Botton – Atheism 2.0
ssl.ted.com/talks/alain_de_botton_atheism_2_0#

5. What is religion? Sociologists define religion in three ways:
1. Substantive
2. Functional
3. Social Constructionist

6. Substantive definitions of religion
Focus on the content or substance of belief e.g God or the supernatural
Max Weber (1905) defines religion as belief in a superior or supernatural power that is above nature and cannot be explained scientifically.
Often equated to belief in God and accused of Western bias.
Exclusive

7. Functional definitions
Define religion in terms of the social or psychological functions it performs for individuals or society.
Emile Durkheim (1915) defines religion in terms of the contribution it makes to social integration, rather than any specific belief in God or the supernatural.
Another functionalist, Milton Yinger (1970) identifies the functions the religion performs such as answering ‘ultimate questions’ about the meaning of life and what happens when we die.
Inclusive

8. Social Constructionist definitions
Take an interpretivist approach i.e. how members of society themselves define religion
Social constructionists are interested in how definitions of religion are constructed, challenged and fought over.
Alan Aldridge (2007) shows how Scientology is a religion for its members even though several governments have denied it legal status as a religion and sought to ban it.
Important as it shows that definitions of religion can be contested

9. Activity
In groups of four, make a list of the similarities and differences between attending a football match and attending a religious service.
Is attending a football match a religious experience?