The Main Function of Religion According to Sociological...

The 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 this society justify inequality and maintains ruling class domination. Karl Marx believed religion is a form of social â€Å"opium† which dulls oppressive pain and provides hope to the working class people who are being exploited.†¦show more content†¦In South America, Liberation Theology is one of the fastest growing and most popular interpretation of Christianity. It is the idea that people can be made free through religion. Until recently the catholic church was seen as an oppressive force, not helping out those who suffered under the injustices of some Latin American governments. However, more recently Roman Catholic priests have helped people to change the situation that they are in. Functionalists also agree with the statement. They have a large approach on society and link it towards the human body, which includes religion as a main function in society. They believe religion performs vital functions to balance society and creates the basis of the norms and values of society. This therefore according to functionalists promotes social order. Emile Durkheim suggested that religion was sacred and treated with respect, this creates a social community which give out morals. He believed that religion helped to promote social solidarity and that religious buildings, for example churches helped to bring the community together by making each member feel warm and welcome. He also talked about religion reinforcing the collective conscience; this is done by taking part in church services which renew their commitment to religion, moral beliefs and values. This shows thatShow MoreRelatedEssay on Perspectives of Emile Durkheim and Karl Marx1215 Words   |  5 Pagesserves a function in society and his main concern to discover what that function was. On the other hand Karl Marx, a conflict theorist, stresses that society is a complex system characterized by inequality and conflict that generate social change. Both Durkheim and Marx were concerned with the characteristics of groups and structures rather than with individuals. The functionalist perspective in society is a view of society that focuses on the way various parts of society have functions, or possibleRead MoreEssay about Emile Durkheim vs Karl Marx1216 Words   |  5 Pagesserves a function in society and his main concern to discover what that function was. On the other hand Karl Marx, a conflict theorist, stresses that society is a complex system characterized by inequality and conflict that generate social change. Both Durkheim and Marx were concerned with the characteristics of groups and structures rather than with individuals. The functionalist perspective in society is a view of society that focuses on the way various parts of society have functions, or possibleRead MoreReligion As A Cultural System1601 Words   |  7 PagesSociologists define religion as a cultural system of commonly shared beliefs and rituals that provides a sense of ultimate meaning and purpose by creating an idea of reality that is sacred, all-encompassing and supernatural (Durkheim in Giddens 2006 p.534). Religion can be viewed as a lifestyle or culture for some people: This culture entails united beliefs, the same values, customs and philosophies that generates a shared distinctiveness among a group of people. 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