What Is Religion?
ReligionForBreakfast・7 minutes read
Religion has varied definitions, including a system of doctrines, cultural practices, myths, or a combination of these elements, with scholars offering different perspectives on the term and its evolution throughout history. It is a subjective and contested concept, with no universal definition applicable across all cultures, highlighting the complexity and diversity of religious beliefs and practices.
Insights
- Religion encompasses a wide range of elements such as doctrines, cultural practices, and myths, with scholars like E. B. Tyler and Emile Durkheim offering diverse definitions that include belief in supernatural beings and the unifying aspect of religion within a community.
- The concept of religion is subjective and lacks a universal definition across cultures, as highlighted by Jonathan Z. Smith, leading to a nuanced understanding that acknowledges the complexity and diversity inherent in religious practices and beliefs.
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Recent questions
What is the definition of religion?
A: Religion encompasses various doctrines, practices, and myths.
How has the term "religion" evolved?
A: The modern English definition differs from the Latin term "religio."
Who are some scholars that have defined religion differently?
A: E. B. Tyler and Emile Durkheim have offered varying definitions.
What is the family resemblances definition of religion?
A: It focuses on shared characteristics like belief in supernatural beings.
Is there a universal definition of religion?
A: No, scholars like Jonathan Z. Smith argue it is subjective.
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Summary
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Evolution of Religion Definitions in Western Scholarship
- Religion is a complex term with various definitions, including a system of doctrines, cultural practices, myths, or a combination of these elements.
- The term "religion" has evolved over history, with the modern English definition differing from the Latin term "religio" used by the Romans.
- Western scholars, like E. B. Tyler and Emile Durkheim, have offered different definitions of religion, from belief in supernatural beings to a social phenomenon that unites a community.
- Some scholars propose a family resemblances definition for religion, focusing on shared characteristics like belief in supernatural beings, sacred objects, and moral communities.
- Religion is a subjective and contested concept, with no universal definition applicable across all cultures, as argued by scholars like Jonathan Z. Smith.
