Religion and Theories

Lizette Escatel-Sanchez

May 16, 2019

Engl. 1A

                                                     Religion and Theories

Over the course of time and history, religion is one thing that happens to stay the same as the years go by and as it is passed down from generation to generation. Religion is something that brings people together, a way for people to bond and express their values and beliefs. Although there are many different religions and different beliefs, religions are not always similar to each other or looked at with the same respect by society, as some may be seen as more extreme than others. Religion is supposed to bring people together, but it has also drifted many apart due to the differences between religions and their own personal ideologies.

When it comes to religion, a functionalist theory would argue that religion is an important aspect of society which affects education and politics, and that it all works together to meet our biological and social needs. As a group, many religions come together to promote social solidarity and try to engage with others and lure them in to their group. Humans need to feel like we belong in something and for many, religion is where they fulfil that sense of belonging. People are able to share ideas and beliefs with other like minded individuals who agree with them. Religion gives people support- whether that support come in times of sadness and need, or in times of happiness where we want to spread joy.  Functionalism embraces religions, but also has restrictions, rewards and punishments. Speaking about rules and restrictions- most religions have their own sets of rules that they expect their people to respect and abide by, and if not thoroughly followed, they also have punishments for those who choose to not respect them or exercise them in a way in which expected. One example of a religious rule and belief would be waiting until marriage to have sexual intercourse for most Catholics and Christians (amongst others). If that rule is broken, you can be looked down upon by your fellow church members, and might need to face a punishment for not being pure until marriage. Functionalism understands that in order to keep society functioning, religion has to be respected.

The conflict theory and Karl Marx would argue the complete opposite from the functionalism theory and say that the conflict theory-  “It is a power struggle that is most often won by the wealthy and elite and lost by the common person of common means.” Karl Marx said that religion was an opium of the people and believed that religion was created by the ruling class in order to take advantage of the exploited (the lower classes and the poor). By having religion, the ruling are able to oppress those beneath them by using their power and claiming to possess divine rights (such as kings used to do). Religion is seen as a distraction from happiness and as an illusion used so that people be distracted from their real oppression. The upper classes of society have been known to use religion to remain control over society.  In the book “Educated” by Tara Westover, we see how her Mormon religion keeps she and the rest of her family, ignorant from many things that go on in the real world and outside of their religion. Most of the children do not have birth certificates, are expected to work around the house, not allowed to go to school and pursue and education, or have anything containing milk. In their religion, this is a way for them to not be controlled by the government.