Various definitions of religion have been put forward, ranging from Edward Tylor’s minimal definition to Paul Tillich’s functional criterion. A fundamental aspect of religion, such as belief in a higher being, differentiates it from non-religion. In addition to these criteria, religions differ in their roles and functions in human life. But what makes religions different from one another? What makes us feel we belong to a particular religion?
Philosophy
Many have argued that the decline in religious belief was the result of advances in science. Many believed that religion would soon go the way of the ancient gods, but this is not the case. The rise in religious belief is due to a variety of factors, including challenges to psychological theories. Here, we look at some of these factors. Hopefully, these discussions will lead to a more informed debate on the role of religion in modern society.
Anthropology
The relationship between science and religion is a difficult one to define. Anthropologists are often antagonistic toward the concept of a Creator. They argue that only living things evolve. In contrast, religion separates life from its Creator, denying that life is an outcome of an intelligent design. Ultimately, they argue, religion and science must work together to establish the reality of the Creator. Anthropologists are not content to be passive observers. They must also address the role of religion in modern societies.
Sociology
The study of religion is a branch of sociology that looks at the social aspects of a certain type of faith. Sociologists measure religiosity by asking questions about people’s religious beliefs and practices, including how often they attend religious services. Sociology of religion first appeared in Emile Durkheim’s 1897 study The Study of Suicide, which explored the suicide rate among Protestants and Catholics. Later, other sociologists such as Karl Marx and Max Weber explored the influence of religion on politics, economics, and society.
Philosophy of religion
The study of religion involves a philosophical approach to the study of religious practices, concepts, and arguments. Though philosophy of religion has its origins in the West, its scope and content can extend to other cultures as well. In this article, we will discuss the different types of religions, how they use language, and how arguments for and against the existence of God are analyzed. We will also discuss the problem of evil, suffering, and miracles.
Social constructionism
A long history of social constructionism can be seen in the relationship between religion and politics. Berger’s 1966 book, The Social Construction of Reality, argues that all knowledge comes from social interactions and is negotiated by individuals. They claim that human typifications, significations, and institutions are objective realities and are not the product of the individual’s innate mind or will. The result is an irrational worldview.
Interpretivism
This edited collection harnesses a variety of interpretivist perspectives to provide a global perspective on religion. The contributions of scholars from the US, Europe, and South Asia offer diverse perspectives on religion. Each chapter examines the intersection of religion, race, gender, and history. Ultimately, the book aims to provide a more holistic understanding of religion. However, interpretivists differ from one another in key ways.
Polythetic approach
A polythetic approach to religion avoids the essentialist dichotomies and allows scholars to freely acknowledge hybrids and multiplexes within the religious milieu. A polythetic approach avoids the essentialist dichotomies and allows scholars to explore and analyze all religions in their entirety, rather than limiting them to a single ideal case. This type of approach is particularly useful when identifying common traits that transcend disciplinary boundaries.