What Is Religion?

Summary

This video explores the complexity of defining religion from an academic perspective. It highlights that religion is not a straightforward concept, with various definitions shaped by history and scholars. The term 'religion' has evolved, and its meaning differs across cultures and contexts. The video discusses perspectives from scholars like E.B. Tylor, Emile Durkheim, and Jonathan Z. Smith, emphasizing that religion is a subjective and contested concept. Instead of a single definition, it may be more useful to view religion as an analytical category shaped by the person using it.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The definition of religion is subjective and complex, often varying based on who is defining it.
• 📚 The term 'religion' has evolved over time and its meaning has shifted, differing from its Latin root 'religio'.
• 🏛️ In ancient Rome, what is now categorized as religion was divided into 'religio' (approved rituals) and 'superstitio' (unapproved beliefs).
• 🧐 Modern Western scholarship has significantly influenced the current understanding of religion as a category.
• 👨‍🏫 E. B. Tyler proposed a minimalist definition of religion as belief in supernatural beings, a view now considered too simplistic by many.
• 🏫 Emile Durkheim viewed religion as a social phenomenon, emphasizing its role in unifying society and socializing individuals.
• 🤝 Religion can be seen as a system of beliefs and practices that create a moral community, according to Durkheim.
• 🔍 Some scholars have moved away from a single definition, instead using a 'family resemblances' approach, identifying multiple characteristics that can be shared among religions.
• 🧙‍♂️ Jonathan Z. Smith argues that religion is an analytical category created by scholars, not a native term from any culture.
• 🌟 The concept of religion is contested and can encompass a wide range of beliefs and practices, making it difficult to define universally.

Q & A

What is the main challenge in defining religion according to the video?

The main challenge in defining religion is that everyone thinks they already know what it means, but it is much more complicated, with a definition that varies depending on the context and who is using the term.

How does the Latin term 'religio' differ from the modern concept of religion?

The Latin term 'religio' referred to socially acceptable cultic duties for the gods, like state-sanctioned sacrifices. It contrasted with 'superstitio,' which referred to unsanctioned beliefs. Modern religion, however, encompasses both 'religio' and 'superstitio' under one broad concept.

What was E.B. Tyler's definition of religion, and why is it considered outdated?

E.B. Tyler defined religion as the belief in supernatural beings, seeing it as the primitive core of all religions. This definition is now considered too simplistic, as modern scholars argue that religion is much more complex and cannot be reduced to just belief in spirits or supernatural beings.

How does Emile Durkheim define religion, and what aspect does he emphasize?

Durkheim defines religion as a unified system of beliefs and practices related to sacred things, which unite people into a single moral community. He emphasizes the social aspect of religion, focusing on how it reflects and reinforces societal needs and unity.

What is the 'family resemblances' approach to defining religion?

The family resemblances approach, inspired by Wittgenstein, suggests that instead of one characteristic defining all religions, there are common traits that religions share. These traits don't all have to be present, but enough similarities make something recognizable as a religion.

Why do scholars struggle to find a single unifying definition for religion?

Scholars struggle because religion is highly complex and subjective, varying across cultures and contexts. No single definition fits all cases, and every definition seems to have exceptions, leading many to see it as a contested and analytically constructed concept.

What does Jonathan Z. Smith argue about the term 'religion'?

Jonathan Z. Smith argues that 'religion' is not a native term but one created by scholars for intellectual purposes. It is a second-order generic concept used for academic analysis, similar to how 'language' functions in linguistics or 'culture' in anthropology.

How has the meaning of 'religion' shifted over time?

The meaning of 'religion' has shifted from its Roman origins, where it referred to state-sanctioned rituals ('religio'), to the modern Western concept that includes both acceptable and unacceptable practices. This shift is shaped by over 100 years of Western scholarship.

Why is religion considered a 'contested concept'?

Religion is a contested concept because its definition varies widely depending on who is using it and in what context. Different people and scholars use the term to refer to various aspects, such as belief in God, rituals, or social structures, leading to differing interpretations.

What perspective does the video suggest is most useful for understanding religion?

The video suggests that instead of looking for a single, objective definition of religion, it is more helpful to view it as a subjective, analytical category used by scholars. Recognizing the different ways people define and apply the term can aid in navigating complex discussions about religion.