Sociology : Theories of Religion
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Sociology
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Theories Of Religion
Émile Durkheim postulated that religion exists in society in order for individuals to have a common set of beliefs and practices that results in social cohesion and the reaffirmation of societal bonds. This statement belongs to which of the following classifications of sociological religious theory?
Marxist
Structural functionalist
Weberian
Post-structuralist
Symbolic interactionist
Structural functionalist
In this statement, Durkheim states that religion performs a function of bonding individuals together in a cohesive manner. In other words, religious beliefs provide individuals with a common ideal to ascribe to and in doing so they bond together socially. Structural functionalists assume that sociological phenomena such as religion occur because they perform an important function in society (i.e. bonding in this case).
Example Question #1 : Theories Of Religion
The sensation that one is connected to the Divine is a __________.
religious belief
religious experience
religious text
none of the other answer choices
religious ritual
religious experience
The sensation that one is connected to the Divine is a religious experience. Religious beliefs are specific ideas that members of a religious faith believe to be true. Religious text is a book or writing believed to be sacred to members of religious faith. Religious rituals are behaviors or actions required by members of a religious faith.
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