Challenges in Defining Religion
The meaning of ‘religion’ seems intuitively clear, but so far, no scientist or philosopher has been able to give an exhaustive definition of this concept. ReligionForBreakfast (2016) notes that religion is a subjective term with a very vague explanation and a contested description. Moreover, due to globalization and multiculturalism, establishing clear boundaries for the concept becomes impossible (Religions, 2023).
Each person or group of people united by one belief can have its own concept of religion. Durkheim’s thoughts on defining the sacred became interesting from the materials studied. In the past, I have mostly viewed religion through the lens of functionalism (Crash Course, 2018). Every religion has core functions related to social cohesion, purpose in life, and control (Crash Course, 2018). However, there are indeed some symbols and totems that are an integral part of religion.
Bitcoin as a Sacred Totem or Emerging Religion
Based on this, Bitcoin may become an established religion for some. However, bitcoin is more in line with the sacred totem for perhaps some new emerging digital religion. Although Tillich denies the social and institutional justifications for religion, Bitcoin alone is challenging to consider as a religion, as it is unlikely to meet the ultimate concern (Brodd et al., 2018). Based on James’s concept, if an individual perceives Bitcoin as something divine, then only his feelings and perceptions are essential; this should be considered a religion (Brodd et al., 2018). Thus, everything still depends on the individual’s perception, so some may consider bitcoin as their religion, and some may not.
Like scientists have refused to define religion clearly for centuries, but only look for similarities, family happens in this post (ReligionForBreakfast, 2016). Due to the lack of a general understanding of what a religion is, it is necessary to figure out whether this or that movement has enough similarities with such large religions as, for example, Christianity or Buddhism to understand whether it can be labeled as a religion, too.
Durkheim’s Perspective on Religion’s Positive and Negative Features
Interestingly, Durkheim also notes the negative features inherent in most religions. For example, he talks about political and economic inequality, and the perpetuation of sexism and racism (Crash Course, 2018). However, as society develops, traditional ways tend to weaken (ReligionForBreakfast, 2016; Religions, 2023). I like the idea from the article about the influence of societies and cultures on each other. However, Durkheim’s definition seemed to me the most interesting since I consider it the most comprehensive and closest to reality.
References
Brodd, J., Little, L., Nystrom, B., Platzner, R., Shek, R., & Stiles, E. (2018). Invitation to world religions (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press Academic US.
Crash Course. (2018). Religion: Crash course sociology #39 [Video]. YouTube. Web.
ReligionForBreakfast. (2016). What is religion? [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Religions in the modern world. (2023).