>You can also take a functionalist view of religion - it serves as a
>supporting and reinforcing role to society and helps to preserve and advance
>social mores and folkways. Looking at it that way, religious institutions
>help societies survive and grow by actively reinforcing prosocial behaviors
>and belief patterns.
>
>larry
Almost any academic study of religion starts with the a variation of your
functional view; that religion is a social superstructure.
Even atheism is taking a position against religion; a definition of by
opposite. What has changed in the 20th century is that religious thinkers
have flipped the model on its head. Religion no longer preserves and
advances the social norms but instead causes a revolution. Gutierrez had
his Liberation Theology. James Cone spears the Black Liberation
Theology. Several thinkers have used this model to bolster the Feminist
Theology as well. The central figure in all of these studies is
Jesus. Jesus fought for the down trodden. He fought the mighty
government. Religion is no longer the opium for the masses. It is the
model which freedom fighter embrace; obeying arguably the most important
teachings of the New Testament - be like Jesus.
These beliefs, while a minor part of any religious institution, have still
made their way into mainstream America.
[Todays Threads] [This Message] [Subscription] [Fast Unsubscribe] [User Settings]
