Question

"Religion is a social phenomenon." Discuss. 500​

Answer 1

Religion is, first of all, a social phenomenon. We are just beginning to appreciate the extent to which individual psychology, so-called, is but an exhibition in the small of a more inclusive and determining social psychology. The individual is but a social microcosm.

The way in which we relate to each other is very often influenced by our religious beliefs. Religions is also related to politics, and to economic activities like production, distribution and consumption. Religion can unite human being together, but also sow hatred among them.

During a religious experience, a human being can be accompanied by various religious phenomena, which some researchers describe as “incidental” religious phenomena. They are characterized by varied intensity, complexity and changeable frequency [1,2]. They can be visions, ecstasies, mystical raptures, and stigmata.

Answer 2

During a religious experience, a human being can be accompanied by various religious phenomena, which some researchers describe as “incidental” religious phenomena. They are characterized by varied intensity, complexity and changeable frequency [1,2]. They can be visions, ecstasies, mystical raptures, and stigmata.The way in which we relate to each other is very often influenced by our religious beliefs. Religions is also related to politics, and to economic activities like production, distribution and consumption. Religion can unite human being together, but also sow hatred among them.Religion and Social Breakdown. The practice of religion has beneficial effects on behavior and social relations: on illegitimacy, crime and delinquency, welfare dependency, alcohol and drug abuse, suicide, depression, and general self-esteem.Given this approach, Durkheim proposed that religion has three major functions in society: it provides social cohesion to help maintain social solidarity through shared rituals and beliefs, social control to enforce religious-based morals and norms to help maintain conformity and control in society.