The origins and functions of religion

Type :

Presentation

Pages :

9 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

11/06/2008

Category :

Political science

Sub category :

Social sciences

Oboulo.com selection criteria

$ 18.95 Add to cart

Summary :

Introduction.
1. The intellectualist theory.
2. The myth-ritualism type theories.
3. Response to death in an animistic society.
The myth ritualist theory.
1. Religion as completely practical and technological.
2. The totem.
3. The arguments of Durkheim and Goldenweiser.
4. Malinowski view in relation to anthropologists.
The 'anxiety' of a group.
Malinowski - criticized for being too vague with his definitions.
Anthony Wallace on the origins of religion.
1. Animal spiritual and religious behaviors and how it mimics human religious behaviors.
2. The Upper-Paleolithic era.
Conclusion.
1. Reference of religion with science.
2. Stewart Elliot Guthrie's article 'Religion: What is it?'.
3. Dr. James Dow's paper titled 'The Evolution of Religion: Three Anthropological Approaches'.

Abstract

religion is a subject that has been of constant interest to anthropologists. Before discussing origins, functions and examples of religion however, it is first necessary that we develop a proper definition. For the purpose of this paper I will define religion as a group of beliefs concerning the supernatural, sacred or divine, as well as the moral codes, practices, values, institutions and rituals associated with such beliefs. Anthropologists like Tylor, Durkheim, Malinowski and others have purposed their own definitions related to their views concerning the origins of religion, its specific functions in society as well as its impact on other social institutions such as economics and politics. In the following pages I will discuss a number of theorists and their explanations for the above questions related to the topic of religion: 1.) What is the origin of religion and why? 2.) What function does religion have in societies? As a final aspect of my research I will offer modern explanations of religion to show how newer theories are related to original theories of religion