... that it involves a belief in God for example. This definition says what religion is. Functional definitions of religion are often based around functionalism. Parsons, a famous sociologist and a number of social anthropologists have argued that belief systems have the function of maintaining society. This is the first advantage of functional definitions of religion. They suggest that the social order brought about through religion benefits society as a whole. Functional definitions refer to how religion links people together in communities and provides what Durkhiem calls "social solidarity." Linking into communities occurs because, in general people practice their religion together. The rituals that they practice within their religion have an essential role in developing and maintaining social solidarity. This therefore makes people feel part of the community and also helps them to accept social rules. Social disorder and social chaos are seen as very unlikely. Durkhiem also says that beliefs ...

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