1. Religion and Society

2. Marx had a negative view of religion Society ran by who had the power
Opiate of the People
Marx had a negative view of religion
Society ran by who had the power
Religion can bring out the worst in society.

3. Emile Durkheim thought religion served a function in society.
Metaphor for society
Emile Durkheim thought religion served a function in society.
Encourage unity
Religion evolves with society
Religion encourages Mechanical and Organic solidarity

4. Mechanical Solidarity
Religion tells people how to act
Rituals to please the gods

5. Interpretation of various rules can change to meet certain situations.
Organic Solidarity
Interpretation of various rules can change to meet certain situations.
Not all the rules have to followed.

6. Religion changes society, not the other way around.
Weber’s views
Religion changes society, not the other way around.
Agreed with Durkheim: religion is necessary for society
Agreed with Marx: religion causes conflict.

7. Religion: Theory v Practice
Is there a difference between religious beliefs and other beliefs?

8. Marx: religious values changed to suit the interests of the powerful
Theorists
Marx: religious values changed to suit the interests of the powerful
Durkheim: religious values changed naturally with society
Weber: religious values are both influenced and are influenced by social change

9. Is Religion changing society?
MLK and the civil rights movement
Gandhi and freedom for India
Religious organizations offering education and assistance all over the world.

10. People changing religions Geography does not dictate religion anymore.
Shopping for God
People changing religions
Geography does not dictate religion anymore.
Mega Churches.
Sunday worship?

11. Does religion affect your actions?
Dante’s Inferno
Fear of Hell or god