Understanding Religion through Functionalism and Substantive Perspectives

These flashcards cover the fundamental concepts of Functionalist and Substantive perspectives on religion, focusing on the role and definitions of religion.

Functionalist Perspective

A view that emphasizes how religion helps individuals and society function well by providing comfort and uniting the community.

Human origins

Substantive Perspective

A view that focuses on the content of religious beliefs, specifically that religion is about beliefs in God or the supernatural.

What does the Functionalist perspective say about religion?

It helps people and society function well by giving comfort and uniting the community.

What is the Substantive perspective on religion?

Religion is fundamentally about beliefs in God, gods, or spirits.