What is Religion?

If one tries to define religion using a singular definition they are likely to be unable to
define it because you have to look at the many different elements of religion to find an allencompassing definition. To get a full view of what religion means it is extremely important to
look at many different definitions from many different viewpoints. There are three common
perspectives on religion, the materialistic perspective, which states that nothing exists except
matter and that there is no supernatural dimension to life. The next perspective on religion is the
functional perspective, which is the idea that religion is a useful has a purpose, whether it be a
tool for people to cope with the immensity of the universe or for the people to control the lives of
people. Finally the faith perspective sees religion as a tool and as something that can enrich
peoples lives; it focuses on the blind belief in something bigger, referred to as Unseen
Reality1.
The materialistic perspective of religion believes that religion is used to manipulate
people and that the supernatural is created by humans. Karl Marx describes religion as a
powerful drug that helps to distract people from everyday suffering and gives them something to
focus on other than themselves2. This quote shows a notable contempt for religion, he seems to
be condemning religious people because they are self-centered people who dont want to be a
part of the real world. Marx states that he believes that not only do religions pacify people
falsely; they may themselves become tools of oppression (Fisher 4). Marx was an advocate of
atheism because he believed that for people to truly be free they shouldnt be oppressed by
someone elses beliefs or rules.
In Living Religions it is discussed that there are multiple areas of study with
functionalistic ideas as to why religions appear throughout every country. Biologists believe that

religion brings people together and it protects gene replication, according to Freud, a
psychologist, religion fills neurotic needs, and sociologists that religion is the glue that holds a
society together (Fisher 4). Clifford Geertzs definition of religion most closely resembles the
views of sociologists. He believes that religion is used to establish power and construct ideas that
govern people by giving them the notion that there is some sort of order in the universe, and this
is achieved by giving people something to believe in that seems real enough to keep people
following that system of beliefs2
People have many different ideas on the faith perspective and the belief in an ultimate
reality. The underlying definition of the faith perspective is unwavering belief in
something/someone bigger than oneself. An important piece of the definition of faith perspective
is mysticism which is to perceive truth directly, beyond the sense, beyond the limits of human
reason, beyond blind belief (Fisher 8). People come to know this truth, also known as
enlightenment, awakening, realization, etc., through many different paths, such as meditation,
fasting, prayer, chanting, drugs, or dancing (Fisher 8). Rudolph Otto referred to religion as the
result of enlightenment; he stated that religion grew out of a mystical experience much as a tree
grows from a seed. Joachim Wach said that religion experiences follow a pattern in every
religion. First the experience is perceived as that of the Unseen Reality, the experience involves
body and soul, this experience is extremely intense and it is shatter, lastly this experience
motivates the person into action with worship, behavior changes, service, and sharing of their
religious experience with others (Fisher 10).
It is impossible to define religion because no matter where and at what point they try to
define the concept, other parts will get away (Fisher 3). When one attempts to understand why
religions exist they have to look at it from many different angles, such the materialist, functional,

and faith perspective. Any definition of religion that even comes close to encompassing the
whole idea will likely contain more than one, if not all three, of these perspectives. Another part
of understanding religion is coming to terms with the fact that it isnt a concrete subject matter,
like math, and there is the possibility that we will never know the correct answer or definition of
religion.

Notes
1. For more in depth explanations of the three perspectives consult Living Religions Chapter
One pages 3-10.

2. To see direct quotes refer to "Various Definitions of Religion

Works Cited
1.

Fisher, Mary Pat. Living Religions. 9th ed. Boston: Pearson, 2014. Print.