While there are many specific and different religions, religion itself is an abstract concept—a general category of human pursuit that manifests itself in a variety of ways in different cultures, times and places. Although many Igbo people are now Christians, traditional Igbo religious practices still abound. According to Durkheim, people see religion as contributing to the health and continuation of society in general. Criticism of religion involves criticism of the validity, concept, or ideas of religion.. Religious Beliefs. What Weber was concerned within the sociology […] Conceptions of God in monotheist, pantheist, and panentheist religions – or of the supreme deity in henotheistic religions – can extend to various levels of abstraction: as a powerful , human-like , supernatural being, or as the deification of an esoteric , mystical or philosophical entity or category; The ending explains how Jesus' teaching differs from the major religions. Thus, religion functions to bind society's members by prompting them to affirm their common values and beliefs on a regular basis. It is not just a strict institution but also exerts a tremendous influence upon all other institutions. * There is a brief description of each, their view of God, and what a person can gain from that religion. Because religion can be central to many people’s concept of themselves, sometimes there is an “in-group” versus “out-group” feeling toward other religions in our society or within a particular practice. "There is only one religion, though there are hundreds of versions of it." ... Because religion can be central to many people’s concept of themselves, sometimes there is an “in-group” versus “out-group” feeling toward other religions in our society or within a particular practice. Durkheim's theory of religion exemplifies how functionalists examine sociological phenomena. Unfortunately the world has too much “religion” (= dogmas, rites and rituals and of course an intermediary – the clergy) and too little SPIRITUALITY which is so deeply internalised as to be unshakeable in the conviction that there is a common divinity that resides within all sentient beings. The History of Religion as a Sociological Concept. Sigmund Freud "Religion is comparable to childhood neurosis." *Each of these religions has sects with differing beliefs. Weber therefore was no exception. Hinduism, New Age Spirituality, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity. ADVERTISEMENTS: Religion being a pervasive and universal institution is deeply rooted in human beings. John Dewey "The religious is any activity pursued on behalf of an ideal end against obstacles and in spite of threats of personal loss because of its general … Religion meets many different needs for people, societies, and nations, but there are some general statements that hold true in most cases. 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