1. What are the two functional interpretations of religion as it relates to social cohesion?
2. What is the function of religion for cohesion when religious pluralism exists? If societies are adequately organized by formal ties (laws, contracts, etc.) and rewards (patterns of consumption), is it necessary to have integration of society at the level of culture (values, beliefs, etc)?
3. What is the function of religion for cohesion where conflicting societies presumably share the same religion?
4. What is Civil Religion? What is the function of Civil religion for social cohesion? What are the priestly and prophetic functions of Civil religion? How do they differ? Give examples of each.
5. How does Civil religion differ from nationalism? How does Civil religion relate to particular religion?
6. What is the function of religion for societal conflict? How is religious conflict functional for societal cohesion? Using the example of Brazil, discuss the role of religion for social change.

Go back to Sociology 265 - Discussion Questions

If you have any questions or comments please email:

leming@stolaf.edu

Disclaimer