In sociology there are broadly two approaches to the definition of religion. Social theorist, Emile Durkheim (1912), defines religion in terms of its social functions: religion is a system of beliefs and rituals with reference to the sacred which binds people together in social groups. This definition however has been criticized for being too inclusive as almost any public activity, take football for example, may have an integrative effect for social groups.

The second approach, which follows research by Max Weber, defines religion as any set of coherent answers to human existential dilemmas – birth, sickness, death – which make the world meaningful. Again there is a criticism and that is that this approach implies that all humans are religious, since we are all faced with problems such as ageing, illness and death.

The two above approaches are not ‘set in stone’ definitions of religion; they are simply a starting point for discussion. It is not possible to compact all beliefs and practices of a given religion such as Christianity, Judaism Islam etc. into one definitive statement. (read full text…)