Social stability is the capstone of a fully-functioning society. Social stability is about the condition of freedom from social disorder that is commonly manifested in the custom of inter-group conflict and violence (Sengupta, p. 5103, 2004). It is the condition of sustainable development, and welfare, whereas, society would be free of poverty, hunger, corruption, exploitation and inequality (Sengupta, p. 5103, 2004). It is premised on social development, freedom, and harmony (Sengupta, p. 5103, 2004). There are many components which assist in the achievement of social stability; one being social justice through religion. The purpose of this paper is to examine social justice advocated through religion in an effort to attain social stability. …show more content…
During the European industrialization, theorist Émile Durkheim was the first to analyze religion in terms of societal impact. Durkheim defined religion as a “unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things” (Keirns, N. et al, p. 337, 2012). In terms of society, Durkheim overall believed that religion is about community: It binds people together (social cohesion), promotes behavior consistency (social control), and offers strength for people during life’s tribulations (meaning and purpose) (Keirns, N. et al, p. 337, 2012). He held that the source of religion is the collective mind-set of society and that this cohesive bond of social order resulted from common values in a society (Keirns, N. et al, p. 337, 2012). Additionally, he contended that these values need to be maintained to sustain social stability (Keirns, N. et al, p. 337, …show more content…
Specifically, as it pertains to Christian ideology or its belief system that is constructed and maintained to deal with moral issues in personal experience and social relations (Association of Religion Data Archives, n.d.). The notion of social justice is evident in the Bible and aligns well with Christ’s teachings that form the foundation of the Christian faith (Edwards, p. 12, 2011). In terms of justice, the Bible is clear regarding the expectation of doing and not just talking (Edwards, p. 11, 2011): This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be that person? (I John
Religions usually involved huge investments for individuals and societies. The author wonders what benefits religion could bring and the “functions” of
Religion is considered as a pervasive force in this world. It shapes people as to how they behave and interact with almost everything present in the society. Influencing behavior, character formations, ideals, policies, standards are just among the dimensions and societal perspectives affected and impacted by religion. Because of these applications and implications in human lives and existence, religion should be understood deeply, particularly, on how it affects the world. Looking at the American perspective of the term "religion," it could be simply
It is common knowledge that in the past religion and myths were just ways for societies to explain events and occurrences that citizens of ancient societies did not have enough advanced knowledge to understand. It was also used as a way to oppress others, as seen in the explanation of class order and royalty as God placing a person where they were meant to be and that there was nothing one could do about it, because who can go against God himself? Religion played an even bigger part than that though, being a large part of every person’s identity and something for a country and its people to unit over. But as society slowly aged, and governments were reorganized and re-structured, one can see a reduction in religion being a part of someone’s identity. It is hard to imagine being without an identity so it came as no surprise when, as the void left by religion was opened, people began to create an identity that had to do with different ideas and ideologies. More specifically, new political movements, ideas of nationalism, and change of social norms brought on by many writers and theorists such as Karl Marx, John Mill, and many others. The spread of such ideas was also helped by the spread of public education and rising literacy rates in western society.
Parsons claims that religion is our primary source of meaning; it answers the eternal questions and help to understand things like suffering and pain. It also produces, sacralises and legitimises the core values of society e.g. Protestantism in the USA encouraged individualism, democracy and equality of opportunity. Bellah claims that there is a civil religion and gives the example of America and its faith in Americanism, he says that civil religion unites society. However the functionalist view can be criticised: It focuses on the positive aspects of religion and ignores that it is the cause of conflict in much of the world e.g. Northern Ireland and conflict between protestants and Catholics, It does not explain the origins of religion, explaining what functions religion performs does not help us to know where it came from. Durkheim did his studies I small scale non-literate societies, it is difficult to see how religion performs its functions in out large complex religiously plural society.
As Hinnells suggests, ‘Durkheim’s understanding of religion… appears to be heavily informed by the modern Western idea of a nation’ (2009). This is reflected in Durkheim 's choice of language, which arguably demonstrates the problematic Western Christian bias, which is commonly demonstrated by Enlightenment sociologists. Furthermore, despite Durkheim deeming ‘we have no right to keep some and exclude others [religions] and no logic to do it’, he himself is guilty of limiting his field of research. Particularly in chapter 1 of The Elementary Forms, some scholars might argue that Durkheim’s is strictly limiting himself to certain religions in order to argue certain points, particularly when considering the necessity of a ‘Church’, and his argument when refuting the necessity of the ‘supernatural’ presence in
some, such as Karl max saw that religion is a way strong of a tool that impairs social evaluation. Which resulted in ethnic and religious cleansing and furthermore proved to be the wrong approach to defining the role that religion plays in societies behaviors. I for one, think that religion is an indispensable and integral part of human sociology; furthermore, I believe understanding this relationship would lead to social development.
Even more appealing is Fromm’s innovative understanding of religion. He calls it “any group-shared system of thought and action that offers the individual a frame of orientation and an object of devotion”(Fromm 135). In this sense, every society in the world has had a religion. He says that modern society is characterized by a new religion – the Industrial religion. It developed because of the way modern society is rooted in the having mode.
In discussing the similarities between Marx, Weber and Durkheim, it is important to understand what social order and social change are. Social order is the systems of social structures (relations, values and practice etc.) that maintain and enforce certain patterns of behaviour. Whereas, social change refers to an alteration in the social order of a society, examples of such alterations can be changes in nature, social institutions, behaviours and/or social relations. (Bratton and Denham 2014) Throughout time, religion has always been a hot topic of controversy, whether it is based on being a part of the same religion, to having different religious views on life and how to live life. This is due in large to the ever changing views on religion and the way it can be practised. Religion can be viewed in both aspects of social order and social change because it is part of a system, however, alterations are frequently made. The three sociologists Marx, Weber and Durkheim have all expressed their views on religion with respect to society. Webers’ views show the effects
“Religion is a ritualized system of beliefs and practices related to things defined as sacred by an organized community of believers.” (Basirico et.al. 379). Religion is an important element in the society because it influences the way individuals act and think. It has shaped the relationship and bonding among families as well as influenced the decision made in economics and politics. Religion in general has contributed to shape a society and a government structure which will influence the way the individuals under certain governmental structure behave. Sociologists are interested in religion mainly because religious belief is heavily rooted in individuals’ lives and it helps sociologists to interpret human’s actions, expression, and experiences. Due to its significance in society, sociologists try to study religion in depth to explain and understanding religions beyond science. Supernatural belief, which is the core of religion, cannot be explained using science which relies only on facts and data. According to Emile Durkheim, religion consists of three elements, a system of beliefs and practices, a community or church, and sacred things which are common throughout all religions. Although a lot of people may have thought that sociological studies in religion will undermine one’s faith towards their beliefs, in my opinion, sociological perspective in religion will have no effect on one’s faith toward their beliefs.
Religions have always played a vital role between humans and its society especially in terms of what is good and proper in the society. In modern world, people have become increasingly dissociated from religion and spirituality.
The. London Hunt, Stephen J (2002) Religion in Western Society. London. The. Palgrave McGuire, Meredith B. & Co. (1997) Religion: The Social Context, 4th edition. Wadsworth Pickering, W. S. F. (1984) Durkheim’s Sociology of Religion: Themes and Theories.
According to Durkheim (2004), religious representations were collective representations for a group. The Church, as an institution, was an effective way to bring people together because it united the people, through beliefs and practices (Durkheim 2004). He believed that studying the essence of religion, or religion in its simplest form, was important to understand its purpose. He divided religion into two parts: the sacred and the profane. The sacred included religious myths, beliefs, and thoughts, whereas the profane was secular (Durkheim 2004).
Religion circulates a culture’s beliefs and “conception of the beyond’’. Durkheim saw religion as worship of a society, not as a worship of
In regard to social justice, Christians must have a clear intellectual grasp of what it entails; and the Biblical principles that guide him or her in their support of individual, church, and state social action. Christians also have a duty to apply those sound principles wisely to the major social problems of the early part of the 21st century. How individual believers and the church at large address these issues will impact many lives and bring great glory (or shame) to the name and gospel of Jesus Christ. It is of course axiomatic that any social action be motivated and implemented in a spirit of true Christian justice, grace, and love.
Religion is the ideal concept that separates human kind from the rest of the animal kingdom through social responsibility and morality. It encompasses an institutionalized set of beliefs and attitudes that are formed and practised over generations. The social responsibility aspect of religion is what creates the foundation of laws and social structure for a society to evolve over time. The morality gives a path for guidance to accept friendship, love family and respect the rights of others in order to co-exist in this world today. Religious practises give us a direction on how to treat our neighbours, and live our daily lives. The most important concept that religion creates is equality among everyone whether rich, poor young or old. Religion in the United States includes a wide diversity of beliefs and practises. A majority of Americans report religion as a “very important” aspect in their daily lives (Eck, pg 432). Religious freedom is highly valued in America, yet is not guaranteed to everyone. The history of America showcases the true ignorance towards religion displayed by the same people who claim to practise it daily. This essay will examine several works that showcase the perceptions of Native Americans and the prejudice displayed towards them that is deeply rooted from the American culture and local religious churches. The themes of religion and discrimination are displayed in the works of famous historical writers, Lydia Sigourney and William Apess. Sigourney and Apess are both Native American writers whose work shed light on the hypocrisy displayed by the religious society of America towards the religions of others. Also the documentary, In the Light of Reverence will be discussed to explore the arising conflicts over...