The question is “What is Religion?” How might an answer be theorized by a social functionalist to the question?

  Depend on Martin's A Critical Introduction to the Study of Religion as a guide for making an argument in terms of social functionalism. Chapters 3-9 are important and they are recommended as well. You don’t need to waste space by inserting quotes. Instead, say them in your own words and just cite chapters.

·         You need to use Group Religion, Own Religion, Monasticism, Dudeism, and examples that you have from other courses of religion at SJFC. They should be used as examples which represent your socialist functionalist argument.

·         Lastly, a great paper will be capable of accurately evaluating the weaknesses and strengths of a functionalist approach. Don’t include this part in your paper if you are thinking about BS.

It is argued by social functionalists that for individuals and society, religion serves as a positive function. In fact, “What is Religion?” as a question is very broad and it is quite difficult to answer it. Usually, when this question is asked, many people tend to think about a system of beliefs, a place of worship, and a controlling force etc. However, if a social functionalist were to answer this question, they would have a unique and different answer to it. They would elaborate what is done by a religion for society and what influence it has on individuals. From the perspective of a functionalist, an important part of a religion is all the opportunities that are created by it for social gatherings and interaction. In addition, social norms and order are created by religion in various ways.

In general, for followers of a religion, there are certain aspects of life which are performed due to the religion without our knowing. Just as explained by Martin in Chapter 5, social order is produced against through a socialization cycle over time. In the chapter, Martin describes the social aspects of religion. It is claimed by social functionalists that a religion relies on society for deriving its values. Meanwhile, in the Chapter 3, he describes social order and socialization. Often, societies are composed of systems of social roles and classification. In accordance with social functionalists, society and religion are interconnected. It would be argued by social functionalists that a positive controlling force is religion which is quite beneficial for society.

            It is believed by functionalists that various functions are served by a religion in society. A major benefit is that it offers comfort in different situations of sadness or crisis. Usually, it offers crisis for people when they are in the need of it. Furthermore, people are brought together by it in times of celebration and holidays for practicing happiness. For instance, in Christianity, on Christmas and Easter, families tend to gather for celebration. These are two religious holidays that seem to bring happiness to communities. The Day of the Dude is another example which is celebrated in Dudeism. Actually, it is the day when the release of Big Lebowski took place and it enables followers to celebrate. Thus, regardless of the religion, it serves to bring people together for social control and interaction. In fact, even in monasticism, followers tend to live in communities. Therefore, no matter what the religion is, it allows people to interact and bond.

            Foundation and stability are also provided by religion. In fact, for many people, an important role is played by religious practices in their lives. For some, it influences their daily lives while for some, it does not. Furthermore, followers are given an approach by religion to approach their life. For instance, visiting church weekly and attending religious classes have served to provide me with stability. When I was a child, I had the routine of visiting church on every Sunday and then being together with family to watch football. Even though I did not consider it a social interaction created by the religion, I appreciate it now. Across different religions, many people have their own specific organizations. Comfort is provided by this order because people understand what to expect. Other religions have their own unique ways of offering stability. There is a website in Dudeism that describes everything about it and has ways and activities of socializing with other members. Other than stability, rituals of a religion offer organization, order, and comfort through patterns and symbols of behavior.

            In spite of the fact that separate religions have different figures, they are always connected to some type of text, icon, and figure. For instance, in the Chapter 6, authority is introduced by Martin in religion. In accordance with the text, there exist three types of authority. These types involve authoritative things and materials like practices, rituals, and texts and an example of this would include Holy Books. Furthermore, a second kind of authority is social positions or religious figures. For instance, when it comes to Catholicism, Pope is considered a religious figure while in Buddhism, the figure holding authority is Buddha. In a religion, the way things are performed is normally due to authoritative figures. If there is no order or authority, religion would not be how it is. It is believed by social functionalists that system and order are brought by a religion within society.

            Hence, if the question of “What is Religion” was asked to social functionalists, they would mention how a religion serves as a beneficial and positive function for people and society. Actually, this is quite a complex question to answer and it is not generally concerned with the definition of religion, but more with what is included in and entailed in a religion. Several functions are served by a religion in communities and society. From providing comfort to people to creating social interactions and celebration, all of these purposes are served by a religion. It serves to create social control. In addition, rituals bring comfort and order through behavior patterns and symbols. Often, religion impacts society. In our daily lives, these impacts can be observed. In conclusion, a different perspective is possessed by social functionalists towards religion.