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Religion The Problem of Definition The study of religion is problematic. There are so many dimensions to religion (belief, practice, experience, knowledge and consequences) that it is impossible to provide a conclusive definition. Most sociologists do not believe in God. Functionalist views on Religion The functionalist analysis of religion is concerned with the contribution religion makes to meeting society's needs such as social solidarity, value consensus and harmony and integration between its parts. Durkheim Durkheim studied Aborigines. He called their religion 'toteism'. Each clan has a totem, which is seen as sacred. Worshipping the totem is seen as worshipping God. However Durkheim sees it as also worshipping society. * Worshipping society Durkheim argued that in worshipping God, people are in fact worshipping society. Society is more important and powerful than the individual, just as God is. * Collective conscience: Religion reinforces the shared values and moral; beliefs - what Durkheim called the collective conscience -that hold...

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