Revising Religion - Theories

Here are a few quick evaluative points to bear in mind when using the sociological perspectives on religion.

Functionalist accounts of religion may be critised for exaggerating the integrative function of religion; religious faith could be seen to be as likely to cause conflict as to integrate. Durkheim’s view and definition of religion may be more applicable to small scale societies and have less relevance to large-scale industrial society.

The Marxist view of religion can be criticised for its economic determinism. Religion may not always act in the interests of the ruling classes or the state, and there are many historical examples of cases where organised religions have been critical of political authority e..g the Catholic Church in the 1970s and 80s, the Catholic Church in South America in the 60s - liberation theology.

Phenomenological or social action approaches to religion can provide many insights but they do reflect the weaknesses associated with all theories which focus on actin at the expense of structure. Discussions of theoretical perspectives on religion can usefully apply insights from the structure/action debate.