Functionalism and religion

According to Durkheim, what is one of the main purposes of religion?

• To differentiate between the sacred and the profane.
• To provide psychological comfort during life crises.
• To create and legitimize society's central values.
• To serve as a source of moral guidance.

What is the essence of religion according to Durkheim's study of the Arunta Aboriginal tribe?

• Studying the simplest form of religion in the simplest type of society.
• Investigating the origins of religious thought and reason.
• Analyzing the rituals and symbols that reinforce social integration.
• Examining the rituals that help individuals cope with emotional stress.

What is a collective conscience in relation to religion?

• Shared norms, values, beliefs, and knowledge that make social living possible.
• Sacred qualities attached to society itself.
• Concepts and categories necessary for reasoning and understanding the world.
• Society's central values sacralized by religion.

According to Parsons, what are the two essential functions of religion in modern society?

• Creating and legitimizing societies central values, and providing meaning.
• Maintaining social integration and reinforcing the collective conscience.
• Answering ultimate questions about the human condition and social stability.
• Promoting a value consensus and answering questions about suffering.

What is civil religion, as proposed by Bellah?

• The belief system that attaches sacred qualities to society itself.
• The integration of different churches and religions in a nation.
• The primary source of meaning in individuals' lives.
• Loyalty to the nation state and a belief in God.

According to Malinowski, how does religion help people cope with emotional stress?

• By performing rituals in times of life crisis and major life events.
• By differentiating between the sacred and the profane.
• By answering ultimate questions about the human condition.
• By providing concepts and categories necessary for reasoning and understanding.

What is one criticism of the Functionalist view of religion?

• It ignores the negative aspects of religion and its potential for division.
• It overlooks the psychological functions of religion.
• It fails to recognize the social cohesion provided by religion.
• It neglects the differentiation between the sacred and the profane.