William James - The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902).

University Degree Historical and Philosophical studies

In no more than 1200 words can you explain how a student of religion who may or may not have religious convictions would set about examining a religion with which they are unfamiliar.

“Were I asked to characterize the life of religion in the broadest and most general terms possible, one might say that it consists of the belief that there is an unseen order, and that our supreme good lies in harmoniously adjusting ourselves thereto.”

William James - The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902)

I have started off with this quote as it is essential to answer the question ‘What is religion?’ before attempting to study it. ‘Religion’ is a widely used yet actually quite a recent term, and it is an extremely difficult concept to define. Many British dictionaries give closed definitions that are largely Christianity-based because it is thought of as the national religion but of course times are forever changing. We are not only now a multi-cultural society but there are numerous new ‘religions’ and movements being introduced that need to fit within this definition. A good solid definition needs to be specific, flexible and free from prejudice (Block 3, p 33). Often, dictionary definitions are specific but too specific and therefore not flexible enough to accommodate a wide range of religions. And as mentioned above, the occasional bias towards Christianity automatically dismisses all other religions. Below is one definition given by an English dictionary;

‘a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny’

This definition does not accommodate all religions. Some aren’t concerned with human destiny and this definition gives the impression that this should be the ultimate concern. The ‘ultimate concern’ would be one thing essential to find out in the beginning of studying a particular religion.

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‘a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny’

Milton Yinger, a leading sociologist of religion, devised a five point scale on which to measure different religions and other ideologies. This would be of a great help to a student of religion in helping to determine if what they are studying has all or most of the characteristics of a religion. There are four points on which to mark each ‘religion’ or certain ideology, religious movement or ‘worldview’ corresponding to how strongly they agree or disagree. Briefly, these four points are;

suffering, injustice and death come to us all but it does not necessarily have to be a negative experience
not much interest in discussing ‘the basic human condition’
a persons most difficult and destructive experiences are often the source of increased understanding and power of endurance
despite the chaos of human life, I believe there is an order or pattern to existence that someday I will understand.

Depending on the answers given, Yinger feels that one then has an idea of the basic religiosity of the idea in question. He then follows this up with certain questions to try and determine the ‘ultimate concern’ involved.

‘In your most reflective moments, when you are thinking beyond the immediate issues of the day—however important—beyond headlines, beyond the temporary, what do you consider the most important issue humanity has to face? Or, to put the question another way, what do you see as the basic, permanent question for humankind?’

Different religions would have very different answers to this question. This is why it is so difficult to find a finite definition of the word ‘religion’.

A student of religion would no doubt have their own assumptions (Block 3, p20) and attitudes towards religion as a whole and separate ‘religions’. These would have to come into play when conducting the above investigation as there are never definite answers. There are different methods that can be used to try and determine whether something classifies as a religion or not and each will no doubt give different answers. The boundaries of religion are always changing and there are always extra criteria to assess.

‘Religions’ evolve within human culture and society, and are affected by the surrounding physical, historical and cultural realities.”

Professor Russell Kirkland – University of Georgia

‘Religions’ themselves are forever changing as the above quote is referring to. An important aspect when examining religion is the sociological dimension as all religious activity is very much influenced by society and cultural changes (Ninian Smart, Resource Book 3, A5). The sociological aspect of religion is essential to religious study as it gives a much less dogmatic point of view of what religion is.

There are two main reasons why people choose to study religion, to improve their understanding of the society we live in and the world in which we live, and to follow their individual search for religious self-fulfilment (Block 3, p28).

The main reason for religious study is the former. We need to understand the society we live in, in order to live in it together and in harmony. This country is much more diverse in its religion than it ever has been and we need to recognise this. Schools offer Religious Education as it is something we need to be aware of from a young age. Even if you have atheistic views you cannot avoid religion and its impact on society.

Religion is everywhere. Churches, mosques, synagogues are in every major town or city. Everywhere we see distinct codes of dress like the turban, for example, this is the distinct sign of the Sikh religion. Religion has a massive impact on the Arts. One recent example I can think of is the increase in Asian music and the popularity of Bollywood, things associated not just with different cultures but religion too. Because of the different religious buildings we now have within society, they may have an influence over architecture.

Schools and even pre-schools and playgroups have to be aware, and make the pupils aware of different religious beliefs. Where once only Christian beliefs and holidays would be acknowledged, now we acknowledge most major religious holidays and have to respect the beliefs and customs of others. Children are taught this from as young as 3 years old as it will be

beneficial to them in their years growing up and will give them a deeper understanding of the world around them. Politics is something that affects us all also. Religion can have a massive impact on world and local politics. Religious beliefs, or rather, contradicting religious beliefs have caused wars.

In conclusion, the study of religion would be a difficult one as it is so hard to define the subject to begin with. But it is worth it. This type of sociological knowledge is extremely beneficial to us as we are part of this society and this learning brings understanding, and I believe this understanding of each other’s beliefs will help bring respect.