Beliefs in Society Key Concepts

Substantive

Substantive

Religious definition focusing on the content, defining it as the belief in a supernatural power/god

Functional

Religious definition focussing on its function, defining religion as having a role in society like social integration or for an individual like providing answers of life after death

Constructionist

Religious definition focusing on how individuals define religion instead of requiring a belief in god or a similar function for all

Pluralistically legitimate

Having your own beliefs but recognising other beliefs are legitimate and could be true.

Circulatory explanations

Explaining religious beliefs via other beliefs within the religion

Subsidiary explanations

Using ‘get out’ clauses to explain occurrences that contradict religious beliefs.

Denial of legitimacy to rivals

Blatantly rejecting other beliefs

CUDOS norms

4 key principles of modern science

Communism

Scientific knowledge is shared throughout the community

Universalism

Scientific theories are objectively judged and agreed collectively, not just by one nation or social group

Disinterestedness

Scientists have no stakes in the knowledge to avoid bias and exaggerating their findings.

Organised Scepticism

There is no sacred scientific knowledge, all is open to objective investigation and criticism.

Imagined community

Nationalism creating a false sense of togetherness within a country.

Bureaucratic

A body of non-elected officials

World-affirming

A religious organisation aiming to help individuals achieve success within mainstream society.

World-accommodating

Religious organisations co-existing with the world with a focus on spirituality and religion instead of worldly affairs.

World-rejecting

Religious organisations wanting to be separate from the world and are highly critical of the outside world.

Technological worldview

Understanding science and technology has left little room for religious explanations.

Cultural defence

Religion can defend a national, ethnic or local shared identity in a struggle against an external force (eg: a hostile foreign power). Seen by the rise of Catholicism in Poland before communism fell.

Cultural transition

Religion providing comfort and community for international migrants. Seen with Muslim migrants in the UK.

Existential security theory

Religiosity in society varies due to different degrees of security. Societies where people feel secure create a low demand for religion.

Cycle of renewal

A cycle of religious decline, revival and renewal. An established religion declining creates a gap in the market for sects and cults to gain new members.

Sects

A religious organisation resulting from a schism from a church or denomination, offering other-worldly benefits.

Cults

An organisation offering self-improvement and worldly benefits to its members.

Audience cults

Cults with limited organisation and commitment. Member interaction instead takes place via media (eg: astrology)

Client cults

A cult where consultants provide services to followers, eg: personal growth therapies.

Cultic movements

Highly organised cults with high commitment from members that aim to meet all the member’s religious needs.