What is 'religion'? Discuss the functions of religion.
Answers
Religion is one of the basic institutions of any society. It is a universal system which is found in every society. Religion can be understood as a social system in which there is common faith, worship, rituals, customs and traditions.
According to Emile Durkheim “Religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred thing which unite in to one single moral community.
The definition given by Durkheim is a well accepted definition on religion
some of the most important functions of religion are as follows: 1. Religion as an Integrative Force 2. Creating a Moral Community 3. Religion as Social Control 4. Provides Rites of Passage 5. Religion as Emotional Support 6. Religion Serves a Means to Provide Answers to Ultimate Questions 7. Religion as a Source of Identity 8. Legitimating Function of Religion 9. Psychologizing Religion 10. Religion Acts as Psychotherapy 11. Religion as an Agent of Social Change 12. Religion as an Agent of De-politicization 13. Religion Controls Sexuality.
Religion is a cultural universal because it fulfills several basic functions within human societies. It is a basic requirement of group life. In sociological terms, these include both manifest and latent functions. Among the manifest (open and stated) functions of religion are included defining the spiritual world and giving meaning to the divine.
Religion provides an explanation for events that seem difficult to understand. By contrast, latent functions or religion are unintended, covert, or hidden. Functionalists suggest that religion is a requirement for society and individual both because it serves both manifest and latent functions.
Religion is the personal beliefs and practices relating to the divine.It is also people's belief's and opinions concerning the existence,nature and worship of the divine.