1. Religion In Society (Emile Durkheim)
Structural-Functionalism
What Religion Isn’t: Supernatural and Divine
What Religion Is: Sacred and Profane
How Religion Differs From Magic and Science
Durkheim’s Definition of Religion

2. Structural-Functionalism
Key Assumption:
Every system needs to achieve a state of order or system equilibrium (homeostasis). The keys to this are organic solidarity and moral consensus.
Manifest And Latent Functions
Manifest Functions are obvious and agreed upon
Latent Functions are not intended or easily recognized
Structural-Functionalism

3. What Societies Need To Survive
• Replace Its Members:
Groups do this through procreation, conversion, or immigration
• Teach New Recruits:
Groups do this through education, indoctrination, or informal interaction.
• Produce/Distribute Goods:
Groups must satisfy members’ needs or face discontent and disorder.
• Preserve Order:
Groups protect their members from both internal and external threats.
• Provide A Sense Of Purpose:
Groups help members understand their value to the society, providing motivation for them to continue as members of it.
What Societies Need To Survive

4. What Is Religion? RELIGION Natural must exist. Not always mysterious
Atheistic Religions
Proscriptive Rituals
Prescriptive Rituals
Supernatural
Divinity
The world of mystery, the unknowable, the incomprehensible
Belief in someone on whom we must and can depend GOD!

5. What Is Religion? SACRED RELIGION PROFANE RITUALS BELIEFS Religious
Religious Phenomena

6. BELIEFS and RITUAL PRACTICES
Relationship Between
Science
Religion
Magic
BELIEFS and RITUAL PRACTICES
SACRED and PROFANE
“Bounded groups that profess the sacred beliefs and practice the sacred rituals”
CHURCHES
“I believe in God. I’m not a religious fanatic. I can’t remember the last time I went to church. My faith has carried me a long way. It’s Sheilaism. Just my own little voice.”

7. Definition of Religion?
“A religion is a unified system of
BELIEFS & PRACTICES
relative to
SACRED THINGS
which unite into one single moral community called a
CHURCH
all those who adhere to them.”
(Durkheim p. 44)
Definition of Religion?

8. What Societies Need To Survive
• Replace Its Members:
Groups do this through procreation, conversion, or immigration
• Teach New Recruits:
Groups do this through education, indoctrination, or informal interaction.
• Produce/Distribute Goods:
Groups must satisfy members’ needs or face discontent and disorder.
• Preserve Order:
Groups protect their members from both internal and external threats.
• Provide A Sense Of Purpose:
Groups help members understand their value to the society, providing motivation for them to continue as members of it.
What Societies Need To Survive
Goal? Social Cohesion and Social Control

9. What Is Going On Here?
RELIGION TV