9699 · 11.1
Religion and society flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9699 Religion and society (syllabus 11.1). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
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Substantive definition?
Religion involves belief in supernatural/God (e.g. Weber).
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Functional definition?
Durkheim — beliefs/practices uniting believers into moral community.
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Church (Troeltsch)?
Large, inclusive, bureaucratic, accepts society — e.g. Church of England.
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Sect?
Small, exclusive, breakaway, often protest against worldliness.
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NRM?
New Religious Movement — e.g. Scientology; often world-affirming or rejecting.
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NAM?
New Age Movement — self-spirituality, holistic, pick-and-mix beliefs.
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What is a substantive definition of religion?
A definition focusing on the content of religious belief, such as a belief in God or supernatural forces. It is exclusive. Associated with Max Weber.
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What is a functional definition of religion?
A definition focusing on the social or psychological functions religion performs for society or individuals, such as creating social solidarity. It is inclusive. Associated with Émile Durkheim.
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What is the secularisation thesis?
The argument that religious institutions, practices, and ways of thinking are losing their social significance in modern societies. Associated with Bryan Wilson and Steve Bruce.
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According to Troeltsch, what are the key features of a 'church'?
A large, bureaucratic organisation with a hierarchy of paid officials. It has an inclusive membership, is ideologically conservative, and is often closely linked to the state.
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What does Grace Davie mean by 'believing without belonging'?
An argument against the secularisation thesis, suggesting that while people may no longer attend church ('belonging'), they continue to hold private religious beliefs ('believing').
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What is Bryan Wilson's definition of secularisation?
The process whereby religious thinking, practice, and institutions lose social significance.
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What is social differentiation in the context of secularisation?
The process where specialised institutions (e.g., the state) take over functions previously performed by the church (like education and welfare), confining religion to the private sphere.
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What is a 'world-rejecting' NRM?
A New Religious Movement that is highly critical of the outside world and expects members to withdraw from it. They often have a charismatic leader and a clear 'us vs them' mentality. Example: The People's Temple.
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What is a 'world-affirming' NRM?
A New Religious Movement that lacks many traditional features of religion (e.g., churches, collective worship) and offers techniques for self-improvement and success in mainstream society. Example: Transcendental Meditation.