Confucianism and Beliefs in Society

Confucianism and Religion

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Defining Religion

Functional and inclusivist- Durkheim: Religion is a “unified set of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, things which are set apart and forbidden”. Contrasted with the profane: the everyday, mundane world.

- Broad definition which covers a wide range of beliefs

-Does not necessarily include beliefs in a supra-human, supernatural being

- Focuses on the function of beliefs in society, and the way in which things that people regard as sacred can bind societies together, through shared values.

- Looks at the ways in which unconventional beliefs can be seen as sacred, i.e football.

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Substantiative and exclusivist-Bruce: religion is “beliefs, actions and institutions which assume the existence of supernatural entities with powers of moral purpose”. characteristics.

Functional and inclusivist- Durkheim: Religion is a “unified set of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, things which are set apart and forbidden”. Contrasted with the profane: the everyday, mundane world.

- Broad definition which covers a wide range of beliefs

-Does not necessarily include beliefs in a supra-human, supernatural being

- Focuses on the function of beliefs in society, and the way in which things that people regard as sacred can bind societies together, through shared values.

- Looks at the ways in which unconventional beliefs can be seen as sacred, i.e football.

- Berger: Religion is a “sacred canopy” or shield providing supernatural protection against random and apparently meaningless events.

- Focuses on what religion actually is, involving supernatural, supra-human beliefs of some kind

-Fits with what most people would regard as religion, i.e Islam, Christianity etc, Though includes unconventional beliefs such as Wicca and paganism also. - A definition adopted by most sociologists.

Features of religion –

Beliefs – in the supernatural, incomprehensible powers,...