Why do functionalists, symbolic interactionists, and conflict perspectives produce such different pictures of religion?
Functionalists view religion in a positive way; Functionalists have their functions and dysfunction views on religion. Functionalist stress that religion is widespread because it meets our human wishes, Functionalists see religion as a way of maintaining harmony and social cohesion. Functionality hosts a broad spectrum of questions such as, what is the sole meaning and purpose of life? Is there an afterlife waiting on us when we die? These questions may give, Functionalist a sense of purpose to know that they 're following behind something with substance. Functionalist see religion a positive apparatus in a society which promotes
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Religious symbols provide identity and create social solidarity for their members. For instance, a symbol is a condensed way of communicating, they are sacred emblems that may evoke feelings of awe or reference. Symbolic rituals, are ceremonies or repetitive practices which help to unite people in ethical unity. Symbolic Religious experiment, it’s when people may enter the supernatural world when encountering “GOD.’ It’s when something in your body maybe your souls feels the close contact, it may be things such as; watching the sunset, when it rains, seeing a dove fly above your head, the clouds may appear as religious figures or even a life transformation experience. Conflict perspectives- Theorist are vastly critical of religion, Theorist stress religion is vague and contradicts evolution. Opium of the people; Theorist Karl Max, was declared atheist, and believed that the total existence and being of “GOD’’ was incorrect. “It is the opium of the people” (Marx 1844/1964) (434). Max, meant for oppressed workers people religion was like a drug that help addicts forget their misery (443). Legitimating social inequalities; Conflict theorists stress that religion legitimizes social inequalities (434). Functionalists, symbolic interactionists, and conflict perspectives each produce such different
In chapter 3 of the “Sacred Quest” the book discusses “the ways in which the Sacred is manifested in the world of human experience” (39). In particular, the book discusses examples of sacred persons, objects, time, and space. The Sacred Quest states that there is a pattern in religions and breaks them up into 3 types of sacred appearance: prophetic, sacramental, and mystical. The first, prophetic, is associated most with Judaism and Islam, focusing on a person or prophet. The second is most apparent in Christianity, which emphasizes the presence of the sacred through aspects of material reality and stresses the role of priests.
In sociology, there are three theoretical perspectives; symbolic interactionism, functional analysis and conflict theory. The major point of symbolic interactionism is to use symbols to help understand how we as a society view the world, and how we communicate with one another. In functional analysis, the major point is to look at society as a whole, constructed of various parts, or groups, that all have their own function. Lastly, conflict theory is the opposite of functional analysis. In this perspective, society is viewed as different groups, each competing for power, or dominance.
Religion often times is depicted as a specific institution that follows the teaching of the Bible, Torah, or the Quran. People fail to realize that religion can stand as anything for any particular person depending on their values. These values bring about sacred symbols, object, or systems to
Eighteenth-century Europe witnessed multiple actions taken upon religion. Revolts against, as well as in support of religion were contrasted simultaneously in a period of time, parallel to one-another. With these factors in motion, multiple individuals were subjected to a change in their lifestyle which, in that time, was greatly influenced by religion. In the later years of the eighteenth-century, the French Revolution arose, and the Roman Catholic Church was greatly challenged. Moreover, Enlightened thinkers greatly criticized religion as it would impede progression and innovation, particularly the sciences and new ideas.
Marx and Nietzsche both agreed that religion is unnecessary. Marx viewed religion as a form of dissent from the working class. He believed that using religion was an expression of the individual`s personal suffering. Therefore, humans made religion to run away from their daily problems, in the end creating more problems with the concept of religion itself. Marx viewed religion as something made by humans to provide reasoning and answers for their questions and desires.
Finally, the three sociological perspectives can be seen. Functionalist can be observed in the way
Heavily influenced by Max Weber, Peter Berger was interested in the meaning of social structures. Berger’s concern with the meaning societies give to the world is apparent throughout his book The Sacred Canopy (1967), in which he drew on the sociology of knowledge to explain the sociological roots of religious beliefs. His main goal is to convince readers that religion is a historical product, it is created by us and has the power to govern us. Society is a human product. Berger made it very clear from the beginning, that society is a dialectic phenomenon; it was produced by us and in return, produced us too.
Conflict Theory American society today is made up of all three of the theories. In my opinion, these theories all thrive off each other as a whole. I feel that the chain is something like this, Symbolic Interactionism, as well as Functionalism, lead into Conflict Theory. However, I feel that Conflict Theory is by far the largest component American society is made from, here is why! First I would like to touch on Symbolic Interactionism, symbols we attach value or meaning.
Silence by Shusaku Endo is a tale of religious conflicts amongst Christians and Buddhists in Japan during the 1600’s. It documents the story of Sebastion Rodrigues, a young Jesuit priest in Portugal, who in 1637, sets out for Japan alongside two priest companions for missionary work, and to find out the truth about their teacher, Christovao Ferreira: a highly respected missionary and theologian in Japan who was recently shamed because of his apostasy. In Japan, Christians lived under heavy persecution and were often tortured into apostasy. One of the biggest themes explored in this story is the symbol of God/functions of God, as well as God’s lack of intervention and imminent silence in light of tragedies that Gods people face(d), and whether or not Gods silence has a meaning to it.
“Functionalist explore how substance use and abuse are necessitated by a social system and what they offer to the functional operation” (Shaw 2002). The conflict perspective focuses on the conflict
“Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life” (Buddha). Throughout different time periods religion has impacted the society in which people live. Religion has and continues to dictate the rules citizens have to follow in all areas, especially social, educational, and political. Religion influences morals, values, and people’s identities. Many people turn to religion for not just spiritual answers, but for guidance and help in everyday life.
In other words, functionalists like Durkheim believed that for a society to survive, its various social processes must come together to meet the system’s needs. Functionalists implement Durkheim’s outlook of a unified social scheme with various elements having a function within
Week Outline Preliminary Thesis Statement: Religion is an essential constituent of any civilization with a unique spiritual pathway. Main Point: Religious spirituality establishes the framework for human social and cultural development. 1. Topic Sentence:
Jurak Una PS190 Argumentative analysis essay In the past few years, there has been much discussion on whether religious teaching should be part of the public school curriculum. Religion is a constant element shaping our political, economic and social lives. It pinpoints the set of beliefs, dogmas and practices defining the relation between human beings and the so called “divinity”. The notion of religion has always been a very important element of the world’s history.
As noted by Parvati Raghuram "For many, religion relates primarily to belief systems with a commitment to some normative values and some social order" (Skeleton & Allen, 1999) . Religion offers a structure that facilitates honourable thinking and encourages individuals to act sincerely in a formidable