The Role and Function of Religion - 636 Words

According to Henslin, religion is an element of faith (2012). My religion is Romanian Pentecostalism. I am the first generation born in America and my parents are from Romania. My religion is based on Pentecostal beliefs as well as Romanian culture. The book Essentials of Sociology talks about the functions and dysfunctions a religion, the symbols and categories of a religion, and the social class and tolerance of my religion. Henslin explains the different functions of religion and what they mean: questions about ultimate meaning, emotional comfort, social solidarity, guidelines for everyday, social control, and social change (2012). As I read the descriptions, I saw how each function explained how parts of my religion works. I believe that there is a higher God and that God gives me a purpose in life which is to love others and bring glory to Him so that in the end I can have eternal life with Him. God is with me even when I am suffering and my religion explains the purpose of suff ering and how it is to help me and how suffering makes me stronger in my faith. The people who are apart of my religion and church, are united as one through Jesus Christ. We celebrate life and marriage and mourn in death. We live through Christ and follow the laws He gave His people so that we can have a relationship with God. The book Essentials of Sociology explains the different dysfunctions such as how religion is used as justification for persecution, and how religion can lead to war andShow MoreRelated Functionalist View on the Role and Functions of Religion in Society716 Words   |  3 PagesFunctionalist View on the Role and Functions of Religion in Society Assess the view that sociological arguments and evidence support the Functionalist view of the role and functions of religion in contemporary society. Functionalists believe that religion is a conservative force, and an institution which adds to the requirements of society. They say it ultimately operates as an agency of socialisation. Durkheim (1912) said that all societies are separated intoRead MoreEvaluate Feminist Views on the Role and Functions of Religion in Society Today.724 Words   |  3 Pagesviews on the role and functions of religion in society today. Feminists see religion as an instrument of patriarchy which means that society is based around male domination; they believe that this is a set of beliefs and practices responsible for women’s subordination. However functionalists believe otherwise and argue that its function is not to oppress women but to keep society stable whilst Marxists believe that religion oppresses the working class not females. 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In looking at how religion functions in social structures, social systems, and small group interpersonal interactions a sociologist could formulate a better understanding of religion s role in society and the human experience. The sociologist looks at the individual, and how that individual connects to a specific societal location or setting and specifically at religion a sociological study could determine the power religion holds over people and societies. UnderstandingRead MoreSociological Perspectives Of Structural Functionalism1490 Words   |  6 Pagespaper –religion (as a primarily social rather than theological or psychological phenomenon) and the effects on societies. In looking at how religion functions in social structures, social systems, and small group interpersonal interactions sociologists could formulate a better understanding of religion s role in society and the human experience. 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Virtue is the bedrock of free society, and religion provides a constant reminder ofRead MoreThe Main Function of Religion According to Sociological Arguments685 Words   |  3 PagesThe Main Function of Religion According to Sociological Arguments Many sociologists believe that the main function of religion is to provide people with a code of conduct, which regulates personal and social life. There are two main theories to what role religion plays within society. One of these theories is the Marxist theory. Marxism sees society as superstructure. They believe that society isn’t peaceful and is based on conflict and exploitation. Religion makes thisRead MoreStructural Functionalism : A Sociological Perspective1096 Words   |  5 PagesStructural functionalism best describes the view of the world and varies roles that are played by different people. Structural functionalism is a theory that views society as a complete unit (Ballantine Roberts, 2007). Emile Durkheim is the father of Structural Functionalism. They look at society the same way as someone looks at a formula for a math equation. They view the equation as a whole before using the formula to play a role in the equation itself. In order for structural functionalism to workRead MoreAssess the View That Religion Is a Source of Instability and Conflict1094 Words   |  5 PagesAssess the view that religion is a major source of instability and conflict in society today Religion has held an important role in society since the beginning of civilisation and it has such power over people’s minds and shape the way our world developed. Whilst some sociological theories such as functionalist sees religion as performing a positive function in society as it can lead to social solidarity, integrating people into society, other sociological theories such as Marxist and FeministRead MoreImpact Of Social Institutions On Caribbean Culture1223 Words   |  5 Pagesoperations of society. They are the major organising framework in social life. Social institutions have evolved overtime and therefore embody what the society holds valuable in relation to family, education, religion, the justice system, the economy and health. †¢ Each social institution has functions that ensure the smooth working of the social system as they often illustrate the need for order, uniformity and consensus. †¢ Social institutions determine and guide behaviour: they signify what is accepted