Scientology and the Definition of Religion Scientology and the Substantive Definition of Religion Scientology and the Comparative Definition of Religion Scientology and the Functional Definition of Religion Scientology and the Analytical Definition of Religion Sharing a Body of Doctrine Participation in Rituals and Acts of Devotion Direct Experience of Ultimate Reality Religious Knowledge Consequences in Quotidian Life Scientology and the Emic Definitions of Religions Conclusions iii. Another class of definitions characterizes religion by the consequences that it holds in other areas of life. The first functional definitions of religion came out of the work of Emile Durkheim and put the stress on the feelings of solidarity which religious ceremonies evoked and its effects on social cohesion and community unity. These definitions have been criticized on the basis that, on the one hand, there frequently exist multiple religions in the same society putting in doubt the cohesive function of religion for the community as a whole and, on the other hand, other non-religious symbols and rituals, such as those which belong to the nation, the state or ethnic group, can serve the same function of creating ties of solidarity and community sentiment. Actually a certain number of social scientists now define religion by its consequences not in social life but in the personal life of individuals.
Religions propound two types of answers to such problems of humanity.
On one side, they would offer explanations for them giving them meaning. On the other, they would propound methods and programs of action directed to overcome these problems. All Rights Reserved.