Lecture 1: Defining Religion

Presented by Dr Letitia Smuts & Dr. Muhammed Suleman

Week 1: 2 – 5 April 2024

1. Introduction to the module
2. The sociological study of religion
3. Defining religion
4. Standards of behaviour & religious values and norms
5. Religion and current society
6. World religions

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1. Introduction to the module
By the end of this sociology module on religion, crime, and deviance, you will:

• Understand religion’s societal role in shaping values, norms, and behaviour regulation.
• Recognise and assess diverse theoretical viewpoints concerning religion’s connection to crime and
deviance.
• Critique how religious institutions and beliefs shape societal perceptions of crime and deviance.
• Assess the social and cultural influences on religiously motivated crime and deviance.
• Analyse the interplay between religion, crime, and deviance with gender, race, and class, and its
implications.
• Comprehend social change and inequality’s link to crime and deviance across different societal
strata.
• Cultivate research skills to independently investigate religion, crime, and deviance, and evaluate
existing literature and empirical studies critically.
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2. The Sociological Study of Religion

• Sociologists approach religion without bias towards any particular faith

or belief system.
• They view religion as a social construct rather than focusing on its truth
or falsity.
• Sociological study of religion focuses on its social aspects rather than
personal or psychological motivations.
• Sociologists analyse how social forces contribute to the formation of
religions rather than individual psychological responses.

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• Religion is seen by sociologists as a vital component of societal function and is
subject to study.
• It fosters social cohesion by establishing shared norms and values, creating a
“moral community.”
• Sociologists observe the diverse forms and evolution of religion over time,
recognising its significance as a societal institution.
• Religion is viewed as both an integral part of society and a source of deep-seated
norms and values.
• Archaeological evidence suggests that religious beliefs have been present in all
known human societies, but the diversity of religions poses challenges in defining
the phenomenon.
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 Two main approaches
ü We can define religion in terms of the functions it performs for
society or individuals
ü We also have substantive definitions, which is more concerned
with the content of religion rather than its function or purpose

Defining Religion
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 Yinger defines religion as
“a system of beliefs and practices by means of which a group of people
struggles with the ultimate problems of human life”.

 By problems what do we mean? We mean that religion:

(i) allows the inclusion of a wide variety of belief systems
(ii) is based upon assumptions about the roles & purposes of religion
(iii) allows us to see that ‘ultimate problems of human life’ are open to varied
interpretations

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• Religion is defined in terms of the societal function it serves, providing answers to
existential questions and creating a common identity within a culture.
• It encompasses beliefs, norms, values, and rituals that contribute to a sense of
meaning and purpose in life, uniting believers in a shared experience.
• Religion addresses existential dilemmas and guides individuals through life’s
transitions, such as births, weddings, and deaths.
• It serves as a moral compass, providing standards for behaviour and judgment.

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Substantive definitions

• Religion can be defined by its substance or content, focusing on the sacred

aspects against the profane in society.
• The sacred encompasses holy, supernatural, and extraordinary elements that
evoke reverence and awe among believers, such as objects, places, ceremonies,
or states of consciousness.
• Specific rituals and rites protect the sacred and dictate proper behavior in its
presence, including songs, prayers, offerings, and commemorations.
• The profane represents the secular aspects of life, separate from the sacred, with
contact between the two often viewed as dangerous.

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 We can define religion sociologically as a cultural system of commonly
shared beliefs & rituals that provides a sense of ultimate meaning &
purpose by creating an idea of reality that is sacred, all-encompassing &
supernatural
 There are three elements to this, and these are:
◦ Religion is a form of culture
◦ Religion involves beliefs that take the form of ritualised practices
◦ Religion provides a sense of purpose

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 Sociologists are not concerned with whether religious beliefs are true or
false.
 Sociologists are especially concerned with the social organisation of
religion.
 Sociologists often view religions as a major source of social solidarity.
 Sociologists tend to explain the appeal of religion in terms of social
forces rather than in terms of purely personal, spiritual or psychological
factors.

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A sociologist will then ask the following questions…

Relevant questions are as follows:

• How are religious belief and religious practice related to other social
factors, such as social class, race, age, gender and level of education?
• How are religious institutions organised?
• How does religion influence social change?
• Hoe does religion impact on the ways in which society operates?

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4. Standards of behaviour & religious values and norms

 What are values? These are:

◦ Collective conceptions of what is considered good, desirable and
proper
◦ Values can vary over time
◦ What are our South African values?
◦ Values are reflected in norms

 Norms: These are established standards of behaviour maintained by

a society.

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 We have formal norms: These are written down and specify strict
punishment for violators – The law is an example
 We also have informal norms: These are generally understood rules of
behaviour e.g dress code
 We also have mores: These are deemed highly necessary for the welfare of
society. They are a set of norms that define what is considered right or wrong.
e.g. murder, treason, child abuse are wrong.
 We also have folkways: These are norms governing everyday behaviour e.g
greeting your elders

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 Under control we have sanctions: These are penalties and rewards for conduct concerning
a social norm
◦ What are Penalties? When you deviate from the norm, you will get a negative sanction
 These sanctions can be Formal or informal
 This can take the form of community “punishments”: shamed; ostracised; bullied; alienated
 When it comes to the State: You can be fined, threatened, or even imprisoned

◦ Rewards: This is when you conform to a norm and receive a positive sanction
 Rewards can be informal/ formal
 You can get formal recognition with positions, citations, medals etc
 They can be informal: This may take the form of acceptance, warmth, goodwill, compliments

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 Socialisation:
◦ This is a process through which people learn the attitudes, values and behaviours
appropriate for members of their culture
◦ There is Primary Socialisation: this is inculcated by the family
◦ Secondary Socialisation: This takes place at school, peer groups
 The socialising role of religion can take the form of rites of passage –
these are ritual events that mark a person’s transition from one status to
another.

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5. Religion and current society

• Religion is present in all societies, indicating its significance to fundamental

aspects of the human condition.
• It offers individuals a sense of significance, meaning, support, consolation, and
assistance during transitional phases.
• Religion provides a means to transcend everyday reality, fostering identity and
purpose.
• While other practices, views, and institutions such as family, friends, and
neighbourhood ties can also offer meaning in people’s lives, religion plays a
significant role in fulfilling these needs.

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• Religion offers a distinctive transcendental orientation that remains constant in
human lives, particularly in stable societies.
• During times of social upheaval or natural disasters, new religious movements
often emerge, or individuals revert to established religious institutions.
• This underscores the close relationship between society and religion,
demonstrating how societal conditions can influence religious developments and
individuals’ reliance on religious institutions.

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Symbols & Figures Associated with Christianity

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Symbols and Images Associated with Islam

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Symbols & Images Associated with Traditional African Religions

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Images & Symbols Associated with Judaism

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Symbols & Images Associated with Hinduism

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Symbols & Images Associated with Buddhism

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World religions
Current Primary location of Founder (& Important texts (&
Faith following (mill. followers today approximate holy sites)
& % of world birth date)
population

Buddhism 463 (6.8%) SE Asia, Mongolia, Gautama Triptaka (areas in

Tibet Siddhartha Nepal)
(563 B.C.)

Christian 2,264 Europe, N & S Jesus (6 B.C.) Bible (Jerusalem,

(33.2%) America Rome)

Hinduism 935 (13.7%) India, Indian No specific Sruti & Smrti texts
diaspora founder (1500 (7 sacred sites)
B.C.

Islam 1,523 Middle East, Central Mohammed Qur’an or Koran

(22.3%) Asia, N Africa, (A.D. 570) (Mecca, Medina,
Indonesia Jerusalem

Judaism 15 (0.2%) Israel, USA, France, Abraham Torah, Talmud

Russia (2000 B.C.) (Jerusalem)

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• Religion remains a significant influence in South Africa, with Christianity being
dominant, comprising approximately 80% of the population.
• Traditional African beliefs, Islam, and Hinduism are also significant, while around
10% of the population does not adhere to any religion.
• Christianity in South Africa encompasses various denominations, with no single
dominating denomination.
• Mainline churches like Anglican, Catholic, Dutch Reformed, Lutheran, Methodist,
and United Reformed have substantial followings, but there is a growing presence
of Pentecostal/Charismatic and African-initiated churches.

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Reflect on your own religious background, beliefs, and experiences, as
well as how these have influenced your understanding of the
sociological concepts discussed in class (for instance, norms, values
etc.) If you are not religious at this point in life, indicate how, if at all,
religion has played a role in your earlier life.

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