THE SOCIAL FUNCTION OF RELIGION (Nov 10)

Much has been written about the psychological and sociological functions of religion in human cultures. The psychological functions seem to boil down to acceptance of harsh or difficult circumstances, denial of death as an inevitability, and improved self-image through righteousness or superiority; and the sociological functions to promotion of conformity in group dynamics, increased willingness to risk or sacrifice individual lives for the cause, and establishment of common ground for tribal/regional factions, and dominating the group. But above all there are the community aspects of religion that Humanist have not really got to grips with – we can’t as yet offer the comfort, community and theatre that is provided by many churches, mosques and temples… Jacky Sherman has kindly volunteered to introduce this interesting topic for us and to raise some issues for discussion. So please come prepared for a lively debate! And if you have the time, why do a little reading around the subject? You’ll find everything you need (and more) on the internet. You might look at Durkheim, Freud and Marx, or the more recently work of Daniel Dennett and Richard Dawkins.