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Compare Marxist and Functionalist theories of the role of religion
Member rating: No Rating | Words: 1322 | Submitted: Sun Dec 02 2007
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Compare Marxist and Functionalist theories of the role of religion Religion is not easy to define therefore, as there are so many questions to consider when coming answering that question. However some sociologists have tried to define what is involved in religion. Glock and Stark identified '5 core dimensions' of religiosity, which they argue should influence the day-to-day action and interaction of individuals. Similarly Durkheim tries to define religion as being the scared as opposed to the profane. The sacred is something is something outside our normal lives; it includes a belief in a supernatural being or force, therefore treated in a ritualised way. For example for Muslims, going to mosque for special Friday prayers and mass for Roman Catholics is a ritual. Any object can be regarded as sacred as long as it treated like so. Surrogate religions develop from this treatment, for example many nationalists treat their national flags...
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