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"Sociologists have defined religion in two ways: in terms of what religion does, and in terms of what religion is." What are the main advantages and disadvantages of functional and substantive definitions of religion?
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"Sociologists have defined religion in two ways: in terms of what religion does, and in terms of what religion is." What are the main advantages and disadvantages of functional and substantive definitions of religion? Most sociologists attempt to define religion by features of what religion is or what it does. Religion is too complex to define because not all religions can fit into one rigid definition. Therefore it also becomes difficult to distinguish what is and what is not a religion. Key thinkers such as Durkheim, Marx, Weber, Freud, Simmel, Gertz , Yinger and Berger have all attempt to define religion. Their definitions usually fall into two categories, Functional definitions of religion and Substantive definitions of religion. The functional definition sees religion in terms of the functions it performs for society or individuals. It tries to explain what religion does. Sociologists have argued that religion has the function of maintaining society....
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