Constructionist definition
Meaning Evaluation
It is argued that it isn’t possible to This is the broadest definition and it
create a set definition of religion, takes into account that religion is a very
because it means different things for personal thing.
different people. E.g. Scientology is However, this is problematic for
Substantive definition considered a religion by its followers, sociologists as people might have
but not by many others. What is widely differing views about what a
Meaning Evaluation considered a ‘religion’ depends on definition is, and therefore makes
who is doing the defining. defining religion difficult.
These definitions focus on Quite restrictive and
the ‘substance’ of wouldn't include largely
religion, such as a belief established religions such
in God or the as Buddhism due to literal
supernatural. These definition, which could be
definitions create clarity highly problematic.
around what is a religion
and what isn’t.
Beliefs -
Introductory
Definitions
Functional definition
Meaning Evaluation
These definitions focus Whilst this is a broader
on specific ‘functions’ and more applicable
served by the religious definition, and would
beliefs, for both include religions such as
individuals and society. Buddhism and other
This is a more inclusive newer religions such as
definition that includes a scientology, some people
wider range of beliefs. argue this is too broad
However, just because and could end up
something is functional, including any collective
doesn’t make it a belief, such as political
‘religion’. ideologies, football
supporters etc.
Meaning Evaluation
It is argued that it isn’t possible to This is the broadest definition and it
create a set definition of religion, takes into account that religion is a very
because it means different things for personal thing.
different people. E.g. Scientology is However, this is problematic for
Substantive definition considered a religion by its followers, sociologists as people might have
but not by many others. What is widely differing views about what a
Meaning Evaluation considered a ‘religion’ depends on definition is, and therefore makes
who is doing the defining. defining religion difficult.
These definitions focus on Quite restrictive and
the ‘substance’ of wouldn't include largely
religion, such as a belief established religions such
in God or the as Buddhism due to literal
supernatural. These definition, which could be
definitions create clarity highly problematic.
around what is a religion
and what isn’t.
Beliefs -
Introductory
Definitions
Functional definition
Meaning Evaluation
These definitions focus Whilst this is a broader
on specific ‘functions’ and more applicable
served by the religious definition, and would
beliefs, for both include religions such as
individuals and society. Buddhism and other
This is a more inclusive newer religions such as
definition that includes a scientology, some people
wider range of beliefs. argue this is too broad
However, just because and could end up
something is functional, including any collective
doesn’t make it a belief, such as political
‘religion’. ideologies, football
supporters etc.
