Theories Of Religion
Sociological and anthropological metatheories of religion generally attempt to answer at least two interrelated questions: what is the origin of religion and what is its function. This article is about metatheories (usually just called "theories") that explain the formation of religious beliefs as studied in the social sciences. These theories, for the most part, attempt to explain certain universal characteristics of religious belief and practice. It does not address theological explanations of religion nor the histories of specific religions or religion generally.
Read more about Theories Of Religion: History, Classification of Theories of Religions, Methodologies, Karl Marx, Edward Burnett Tylor and James George Frazer, Émile Durkheim and Functionalism, Max Weber, Sigmund Freud, Rudolf Otto, Mircea Eliade, E. E. Evans-Pritchard, Clifford Geertz, Rational Choice Theory, Evolutionary Theories, See Also
Famous quotes containing the words theories and/or religion:
“The two most far-reaching critical theories at the beginning of the latest phase of industrial society were those of Marx and Freud. Marx showed the moving powers and the conflicts in the social-historical process. Freud aimed at the critical uncovering of the inner conflicts. Both worked for the liberation of man, even though Marx’s concept was more comprehensive and less time-bound than Freud’s.”
—Erich Fromm (1900–1980)
“Both Socrates and Jesus were outstanding teachers; both of them urged and practiced great simplicity of life; both were regarded as traitors to the religion of their community; neither of them wrote anything; both of them were executed; and both have become the subject of traditions that are difficult or impossible to harmonize.”
—Jaroslav Pelikan (b. 1932)