Religion Is Very Much Intertwined With The Construction Of...

It should be undisputed that religion is very much intertwined with the construction of our world. Both Peter Berger and Emile Durkheim consider similar ideas about the role of religion in the construction in our world. However, both approach the sociological study of religion from two different viewpoints: functionalist and substantive. Berger adopts the functionalist stance, which much more scientific than the substantive stance, which Durkheim chooses to adopt. The functionalist study of religion focuses more on the â€Å"quantity† of religion, i.e. an individual’s experience of religion, or religion’s impact on that individual. Functionalists also believe that there is a clear demarcation between what is sacred and what is â€Å"profane.† Meanwhile, Durkheim adopted the more sociological substantive stance towards religion, which studies the community and collective effect that religion brings about. According to Berger, religion is the method which hu man use to feel meaningful, and to feel shielded from chaos. Religion provides people with â€Å"nomos,† which is â€Å"man’s ultimate shield against anomy† (â€Å"Sacred Canopy,† 27). Religion gives humans sacred cosmos, which â€Å"makes the nomos appear to be dependent on a nonhuman source† (Clark, 2009). For instance, many people view the Bible as a sacred text, a text that is transcendent of human realities. Many people believe that the Bible is the literal word of God. Treating the Bible in this way allows us to forget that humans wrote andShow MoreRelatedChristian Speculation about the End of Times1807 Words   |  7 PagesReligions do not only relate to the past but also to the future: beliefs about resurrection or further rebirths, hopes of a better future, or even fears of apocalyptic tribulations. 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