Religion usually develops as a social institution and as a cultural system and system of beliefs which are typical for the definite social group. That is why religion can be discussed as a social or group phenomenon. The members of the definite religious group create their own community which evolves according to the certain norms, codes, doctrines, and moral rules.
Thus, the religious group is a kind of a moral community, and as a result, religion within society is based on the development of the definite group. From this point, religion can be defined according to those characteristics which are used to discuss different social groups. However, religion as any group phenomenon cannot be presented only as a positive institution.
There are many conflicts and dilemmas which depend on the definite religious issues. Thus, religion is a group phenomenon which has all the features typical for various social groups, and religion can be the source of conflict within the society because of the differences in religious visions.
It is important to note that social institutions which develop within the people’s community cannot exist without references to the group factor. From this perspective, religion exists within the group. Furthermore, religion is discussed as a phenomenon characteristic for the group’s development because religion has the features typical for the structure and organization of the group (Furseth). These specific features are the goal establishment, definite agreement on norms, codes, and doctrines, and the differentiation of the members’ status (Johnstone 42-43).
According to Johnstone, religion develops within the society in its interactive relationship with the other social institutions and units, and it depends on the specific group dynamics (Johnstone 111). Thus, sociologists cannot discuss religion in its isolation from society, focusing only on the aspect of beliefs and religious visions because it is important to concentrate on religion as a product of the social development.
The progress of religion is also based on five prerequisites of the group life. These significant prerequisites are recruitment and reproduction, socialization, producing satisfactory levels of goods, preserving order, and maintaining the sense of purpose (Johnstone 43-44).
It is possible to discuss the aspects of religion from the perspective of these points which are meaningful for the development of the social group. The recruitment and reproduction in relation to religion is associated with the necessity to attract new members or reproduce them within the religious group to provide the opportunities for the group’s further progress. All the members of a religious group should be socialized.
In other words, they should be taught the codes and norms which are adopted to follow in definite religion. To be competitive, religion should deliver certain goods and services for the members of the group. Moreover, the effective organization is based on the strict order and on a purpose to provide the definite religious sense for the group (Johnstone 43-44). Depending on the above-mentioned factors, religion can develop into a significant social phenomenon which becomes bureaucratized to regulate its growth as an institution.
The existence of a religious group is connected with many issues and challenges. Following almost all the patterns of interaction which are typical for the society, religion is also associated with definite contradictions and religious dilemmas which can lead to conflicts. Conflicts traditionally develop as a result of focusing on differences related to the discussion of the definite phenomenon.
In spite of the fact religion functions to provide a ray of hope for the members of the religious group, it is often the source of a conflict because religion and religious society are opposite in their nature to secularization and civil society with its rules.
Moreover, religion can be used as a tool for manipulation within the society (Putnam and Campbell). These points can be discussed as the misdirecting effect of religion (Johnstone 125-127). Religious conflicts are almost impossible to avoid because of the impossibility to ignore the social diversity.
It is significant to pay attention to two main conflicts according to which religion develops as a group phenomenon. The first type of a conflict is defined by Johnstone as interreligious. It is characterized by the competition to win followers as resources for the religion’s development and power as the guarantee of the religion’s progress. Religions are typically different in their doctrines and claims.
eligions insist on the exclusive character of the proclaimed dogmas and on the truth of their religion. Such a position is the source for conflicts between religions (Johnstone 125-126). However, the religious group can be also challenged by the intrareligious conflict when the division in interpreting doctrines and practices is observed (Johnstone 130). Moreover, it is possible to speak about conservative and liberal approaches to interpretation of doctrines.
Thus, religion is a group phenomenon which exists and develops according to the rules typical for any social group, basing on the patterns of interaction usual for this society and reflecting each main characteristic features. Furthermore, religion as any social phenomenon develops as a result of different contradictions and conflicts which can be interreligious and intrareligious. Being different in approaches to the principles of social justice or truth, religions or the members of the same group can be opposite to each other.
Works Cited
Furseth, Inger. An Introduction to the Sociology of Religion: Classical and Contemporary Perspectives. USA: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd., 2006. Print.
Johnstone, Ronald. Religion in Society: A Sociology of Religion. USA: Pearson, Prentice-Hall, 2007. Print.
Putnam, Robert, and David Campbell. American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us. USA: Simon & Schuster, 2010. Print.