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What is religion?
Religion is a belief system that encompasses the relationship between human and the supernatural deity who requires worship.
Meaning of religion according to thinkers
Emile Durkheim.
It is a belief system which cluster around the sacred and unite its followers.
Agustine conte; Religion is a devotion to a superior power which all powers are concentrated.
Karl Marx.
Religion is the opium of the people. He sees religion as interaction with the supernatural in order to cope with their crises.
Related topic: Dimensions of region
Theories of religion
Karl Marx ( conflict theory)
Religion is an instrument of oppression used by the wealthy class to oppress the poor, promising them paradise after life. Thus, because of this promise of paradise; the poor refuse to revolt, remaining subjective under the oppressive operation of the wealthy people or political class. Karl Marx theory advocates for the right of the poor.
Emile Durkheim ( functional theory)
Religion functions as a social reality without Divine,
It is a collection of thoughts and consciousness of members in order to unite the people and reinforce the social norms. (Religion is a unifying force)
Mask Weber (Social change)
Religion is an instrument of change which influences the people's behavior and how they behave in the community. Via religion, people are morally impacted thus, this affect their interaction and function academically, economically, socially etc.
Sigmund Freud (Sycho analyze)
A religion is a continuation into adulthood a childhood attitude toward his earthly father. It's a quest for protection, provision from father as a child that eventually turn to be 'believe in God'. If a person's idea toward his earthly father change, his idea toward God follows same. He concluded that god is the power of human mind creating false image and reality.
Frederick Schleiermacher (Phenomenological theory)
Religion is base on individual experience and believe, whereby feelings and intuition about the divine play a crucial role. Religion is base on individual level of spiritual life, personal experience and emotional engagement.
Functions of religion.
1. Religion build moral community
2. It helps in social control
3. It forster rite of passage (ceremony)
4. It helps in emotional control/ support
5. It provides mental peace.
6. It foster unity and moral values.
7. It influence a nation's economy
8. It promote social welfare.
9. It is an integrated force
10. Religion strengthen self confidence