God asked, What is Religion?

 

Functionalism the replied, "It is a GOOD thing."

Conflict Theory the replied, "It is a BAD thing."

 

Study on Religion by Sociology

Time to look at the various aspects of Religion

(Introduction to Sociology/Religion)

Introduction

Are you believe existence of God? If so, it's difficult to think Religion is can be bad thing. I am a Christian. However, i am student who study sociology, so i need to value-neutral attitude. Therefore, this review will be neutral. No matter what religion you have, you need to be neutral. While you are reading this review. Religion has been a grown by a sociological critique. So let's look at the various aspects of religion.

 

Intro

What do you think religion it is? Divine touch? Psychological peace? Supernatural sympathy? Just a social organization?

 

Religious diversity

Difficult to answer the above questions, you answer what your religion is. Christian? Catholic? Jdaism? Islam? Buddhism? Hinduism? Mormon? Shamanism? Atheist? Suddenly you can thousands one answer. Why? The reason is that there are very many religions, and for each of the self-definition of their religion is also different. The religions is variety. So, it is dangerous to define a religion by a particular religion. For this reason, beyond the claims of individual and collective definitions is necessary. And we call this think is 'Religious Pluralism'

 

 

"Religion is diverse, so dangerous and so beautiful."

 

Diversity of Religious definition

Definition of religion is defined by people with varied. Therefore religion is difficult to define precisely. Religion is lexicographically(in wiki), 'A religion is an organized collection of beliefs, cultural systems, and world views that relate humanity to an order of existence. Many religions have narratives, symbols, and sacred histories that are intended to explain the meaning of life and/or to explain the origin of life or the Universe. From their beliefs about the cosmos and human nature, people derive morality, ethics, religious laws or a preferred lifestyle.'. I want to discuss here the two aspects. Religious organizations and morality, ethics, law, life style have been derived by religion.

 

Organizing functions of Religion

Why not? Join the Religion! Functionalism About Religion

The Functional approach that religion is, in a sense, the celebration and even worship of human society. This approach to religion has its roots in Emile Durkheim's work on religion. Given this approach, Durkheim proposed that religion has three major functions in society:

 

1.social cohesion - religion helps maintain social solidarity through shared rituals and beliefs

2.social control - religious based morals and norms help maintain conformity and control in society; religion can also legitimize the political system

3.providing meaning and purpose - religion can provide answers to existential questions (see the social-psychological approach below)
 

What i think?

I generally agree with this idea. And that's why I am a Christian. Religion is (Through my experience) teach to how to live moral lives and what is life goals and provide to a bond between us is clear. And it's be even more effective than education. Nevertheless, religion can be Evil. Despite charges that teaches goodness. This part is a will handle at little more down to the conflict theory.

 

I Ask...

Even the community is integrated and controlled by the religion. If the direction went wrong, we can say that religion is doing to right function? I guess NO.

 

 

'War for religion it's have something meaning? Maybe it's Nothing. Maybe it's Everything.'

 

Lord of Society, Religion

Warning! Religion Virus has been Outbreak! - Conflict Theory About Religion

The Conflict Theory approach is rooted in Marx's analysis of capitalism. According to Marx, religion plays a significant role in maintaining the status quo. Marx was say that religion was actually a tool of the bourgeoisie to keep the proletariat content. That religion is able to do this by promising rewards in the after-life rather than in this life. And also Marx said,

 

"Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the feeling of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless circumstances. It is the opium of the people... The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is the demand for their real happiness"

 

Based on these, the Conflict Theory approach to religion highlights how it functions to maintain social inequality by providing a worldview that justifies oppression.

 

What i think?

Mentioned above, the risk of religion is can be to evil. Purpose of the religion itself is mostly good. However, some wrong religious leaders and customary could be wrong due to an error. Religion is have to boundaries that justify to need to sacrifice on reality for belief. In particular, if religion just pressure to sacrifice for strong vested(Instead of advice self-discipline), there is no any value.

 

I Ask...

Saying that the Golden Rule. In general, all religions are to be included in the Golden Rule. If so, might be religion is the aggregate value of the common people? If that is right, we can blindly say religion is just like bad thing? What are your thoughts?

 

 

'Where did it begin the spirit of service to transcend borders and language?

I believe start point is the Religion.'

 

 

 

Thanks for reading.