Katelyn Brown

Wijitha Bandara
World Religions- 2300
September 12, 2016
Essay 1- Religion
Scholars all around the world throughout the ages have been puzzled by religion. What is
it, how is it defined? Many of them have come up with their own theories but no one can say
what religion is or isnt because for everyone religion means something different. There is so
much to be learned and so many ways of thinking. I would like to discuss a few that I found
interesting.
The Materialistic perspective on religion sees religion as invented by humans1. People
from a materialistic perspective believe that only the material world exists, that there is no
supernatural or higher place. Karl Marx is an example of a philosopher who views religion in a
materialist way. He wrote the book communist manifesto which argues that a culture's religion
springs from its economic framework2. Another perspective Id like to talk about differs from
materialistic in many ways.
A functionalistic perspective on religion believes that religion is useful3. That is not to say
materialistics dont think that but the way there attitude about religion is differs. A functionalistic
perspective says that a religion does things for us4. A pioneering sociologist in this area is

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Emile Durkheim. He proposed that humans cannot live without organized social structures, and
that religion is a glue that holds society together5. Many believe that this view is true, but a lot
more believe that this along with a little extra is the best perspective. Which brings me to a faith
based perspective.
The faith aspect of religion believes that an ultimate reality exists6. Majority of people have a
faith based perspective. When people think religion many turn to a faith idea. In my opinion the
most well known philosopher coming from a faith based perspective is Martin Luther. Through
deep thinking and storms of doubt he was able to conceive new ideas of God and how a church
should run7. Another example could be Jesus Christ who taught of a higher God.
As you can see there are many views one can have. So many people have tried and failed to
define religion or find a science to religion. Religion is a beautiful thing that this world cannot
define and for many that may be frustrating. As we learn more about all religions and ways of
thinking I hope I can develop more ways of thinking and have a greater acceptance for all people
and an understanding of all beliefs.

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