Conflict Theory vs. Functionalist: Religion

A detailed Summary of Conflict Theory vs. Functionalist: Religion

Conflict theorists would argue that organized religion, though originally created to fulfill basic human needs, has distorted into an organization with one purpose: To preserve the power center. Functionalist would agree with the basic tenant that religion by its existence fulfills basic need, but in an entirely different manner. By providing framework within which society may function in harmony, religion contributes to society's equilibrium. I believe the answer actually lies somewhere between the two, with religion holding the proverbial strings as well as providing a sense of peace and emotional comfort.

Conflict theorists assert that religion operates to preserve the wealthy and the powerful in their privileged positions. Considering news reports of Catholic priests enjoying the protection of their mantles to shield them from prosecution against accusations of sexual abuse, one can only shake their head in disbelief. Surely an abuse of power can be indicated, even if only by a 'few' misguided bishops. As well consider that your average Joe might be reported to the authorities, have the case investigated and a jury trial find the perpetrator guilty. Current law states that any community that person moved to would be

Some religions assure new members by supporting such societal institutions as monogamy, marriage and family. By encouraging procreation and in some cases, banning contraception religion can effectively secure new members born into the ideal that one must not only produce, but keep doing so as generations pass. In order to not only have new members, but teach them the rules of the institution, children pass through such rituals as baptisms, confirmations and bar/bat mitzvahs. They attend Sunday school and masses, Sabbaths at temple and festivals gathering clues as to what religion asks of them or perhaps even taught these things outright.

Religion has also been referred to by Karl Marx as "...the sigh of the oppressed creature...it is the opium of the people." In the world of the working class, dominated by the bourgeois, religion acts as both an anesthetic and a justification. While averting the mind from present suffering and inequalities of society, religion also acts as a validation of class differences. Recall the bible passage in Mark 10, verse 25: It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. Tell this to a rich man and he may scoff at the thought of giving up his wealth though he may donate to charity or provide services to his community; but to a poor man this statement is the promise that living your life in need provides it's own rewards.

Religion in all of its forms and with all its mechanisms of authority and solidarity, confrontation and comfort can provide both power and control over a people as well as a support for those people. It is s

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Approximate Word count = 1103
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Religion