Theories of Religion
Mention the different theories of religion that are discussed on pp. 290-291, and Tylor’s theory (explanation) or religion that is discussed on p. 294. Tell the reader which four theories of religion you would like to focus on in the next 4 paragraphs.
Religion is simply participation in a distinct form of faith, such as Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. There are various theories that are discussed in this chapter, each explaining explicitly about religion. These theories are; Sir James Frazer’s theory, Bronislaw Malinowski religious theory, George Gmelch’s (1971) theory of religion, Emile Durkheim theory of religion, Dame Mary Douglas theory of religion, Karl Marx theory, Sigmund Freud theory, Marvin Harris theory, Clifford Geertz as well as Sir Edward Burnett Tylor theory. In the next four paragraphs, I am going to focus on the following four theories of religion: Emile Durkheim theory, Karl Marx theory, Clifford Geertz theory, and Dame Mary Douglas.
Emile Durkheim theory
In his theory, Emile Durkheim, a sociologist, asserts that by creating shared definitions of sacred and profane, religion plays a crucial role in building connections between people. Durkheim further demonstrates that sacred ideas (such as natural phenomenon, Gods, and gods) are always set apart from the ordinary, whereas profane objects are those that can be treated with contempt. The theory, however, illustrates in simple terms that religion is a bonded system of beliefs and practices that are anchored on sacred things, and these beliefs and practices unite to form a single moral community called a church. In a nutshell, the theory points out that celebrating the sacred ideas creates an emotional feeling which Durkheim named it “collective effervescence,” and these feelings or emotions occur when people share the same thoughts.
Dame Mary Douglas
Mary Douglas, on the other hand, explains further on Durkheim’s thoughts regarding how “sacred and profane” structure the religious beliefs. Her assertions as of her book “purity and Danger” explain clearly how cultural ideas, more importantly, those that are “dirty or impure” impact on the religious beliefs. An example of how these practices structure the religious beliefs is evident in the case of the kosher dietary rules practiced by the Jews.
Karl Marx
According to Karl’s theory, religion is basically an ideology portraying all the inequalities in power and status. Under capitalism, for example, Karl’s theory explains that religion often creates an illusion of happiness that goes a long way in helping people to be happy amid the hard economic times. Marx, in his theory, further explains that as of the economic inequalities witnessed around the globe, the church helps the marginalized or the less fortunate by encouraging them to focus on the afterlife where their happiness and comfort lies. The theory also points out in stark terms that the religious leader’s advocacy about comfort and happiness in the afterlife has promoted a peaceful coexistence since many people don’t fight for economic equality or social conditions. Finally, the theory gives an analysis of the legitimizing roles of religion that is evident in most parts of the world. In the US, for example, the idea of leaders taking an oath before assuming office illustrates the legitimizing role of religion.
Clifford Geertz theory
Clifford’s theory takes a symbolic approach in demonstrating the influence and impacts of religion on our society. Most notably, this highlights that religion is a system of symbols that establishes persuasive or powerful motivations among people. The theory further explains that cultural ideas can be enacted through religion. More broadly, the symbols incorporated in each religion, say, for example, the cross and cow, can be used to explain important cultural values. Further, these religious symbols are fundamental in that they are used to instill values among members of a certain religious community. In regard to Christianity, for example, the cross symbolizes the death and resurrection, and this instills values such as sacrifice and selflessness among Christians. In a nutshell, this theory demonstrates the various symbolic approaches in religion and their influences.
Summarize what you have learned about the 4 theories of religion that you have discussed. Which theory or combination of theories of religion do you think is most convincing? Why?
I have learned that there are various perceptions in regard to the true meaning of religion and, more specifically, the various factors that influence religion. I also learned that all the followers of religion base their beliefs on various teachings, values, or symbols. Moreover, the most convincing theory for me is Clifford Geertz’s theory. This is because his demonstrations replicate what is actually happening in the religious dispensation that we are currently in. The symbolic approach of explaining religion and, more specifically, “the cross and Christianity” looks to be true. I, therefore, find this theory more real and true.