Scholars are also aware that these definitions are not static. Religion provides comfort, … Functions of Religion. evaluates the religious aspects of the culture shared by followers of a certain religion; and 2) a theoretical approach to religion including its symbols, functions, exchange-based interactions, and power issues. Many of these social scientists are known to belong to the tradition of functionalist thought. Functionalists view religion in a positive way; they see religion to play the function of maintaining harmony and social cohesion. The function of religion in a society is often to explain to the people in that society their primal origins, the nature of life, the function and aims of life and reasons for living. Religion is an agent of socialization and social control:  Parsons viewed that religion is one of the most important agents of socialization and social control. e. emotional function. Prayer and … It is the only institution which control frustration du o … You also know that your purchase contributes to a local economy by sustaining local jobs and generating tax revenue for your city. Sociological and anthropological theories of religion generally attempt to explain the origin and function of religion. Sin is what we are made of, and whatever we humans are doing is bound to be corrupted in one way or another. The function of religion in a society is often to explain to the people in that society their primal origins, the nature of life, the function and aims of life and reasons for living. It strengthens social cohesion. For example, in mourning rituals, the networks of social relationships between people that have suffered from the passing away of one of them are glued together again. Religions organize themselves—their institutions, practitioners, and structures—in a variety of fashions. Functionalists argue that religion is a conservative force and that this is a positive function for society and for individuals. There are two main theories to what role religion plays within society. It helps in preserving social norms and strengthening social control. As with the apple, there are both personal and social benefits from religious practice: it may function to ease your anxiety about the unknown, give meaning to your life, an… The Main Function of Religion According to Sociological Arguments Many sociologists believe that the main function of religion is to provide people with a code of conduct, which regulates personal and social life. In other words, they provide a sense of order in what might otherwise be seen as a chaotic existence. Its task can be determined in the following manner: (1) It has to develop the totality of religious teachings (dogmatics, or the doctrine of faith). Functions of Religion. There are some obvious personal and social benefits of your apple purchase: you receive nutrition, sustenance, and pleasure. d. rapid change function. One of these theories is the Marxist theory. Religion has always been an important issue at … A third function of religion according to Parsons is that it helps individuals to make sense of experiences which are contradictory. Sociologists use different terms, like ecclesia, denomination, and sect, to define these types of organizations. It supports social regulation. Functionalist Theory. Check us out on Coursera and feel free to join: https://www.coursera.org/learn/classical-sociological-theory Religion, on the one hand, teaches that people are born sinners. 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