This document discusses the topic of religion from several perspectives. It defines religion as referring to belief in supernatural beings that govern life, and as involving symbols, feelings of reverence, and rituals practiced by communities of believers. It then examines religion as a social institution, exploring its historical context and development in Caribbean societies, influence on culture, and different sociological perspectives including functionalism, Marxism, and interpretivism.

1. Presenter: Ms. Nicola Lewis
RELIGION

2. What is Religion?
 Religion refers to the existence of a
supernatural being which has a governing
effect on life. ( Robertson, 1970)
 “A set of symbols evoking feelings of
reverence; and is linked to rituals or
ceremonies in which a community of believers
practice” (Durkheim, 1970)

3. The social Institution of
Religion
 The most common idea and belief across most
religions is that there are sacred elements for
example, Gods, symbols, scriptures, artefacts which
govern the lives of individuals.
 Religion is viewed as things that are profane which
speaks to the ordinary.
 Religious beliefs generally prescribe ideal behaviours
and there is usually some form of collective worship
involving rituals and ceremonies, all of which are
believed to impact in some way on the afterlife.
 Religion as an institution has to compete with secular
beliefs and values. For example, in the
theocracy(religious doctrine) like Iran education is
based on the principles of the koran whilst in a secular
state education could be based on values that
promote democracy, cooperation and empathy. These
may be similar to what religious school teach, but in
secular state schools they are not attributed to the

4. Historical Context of Religion
 The ideas and beliefs of the dominant class is prominent
in the institution of religion but there are less dominant
ideas in alternative and religious minority groups. This
has its genesis in European colonization and still
continues in our society today.
 This social institution was recreated by the Amerindians
and Africans through the processes of hybridization and
syncreticism which still continues in present day society.
 Caribbean people did accept European religion and
those which came later such as the Protestant and
Nonconformist to create different varieties within
Christianity.
 Each Caribbean territory has different ideas and beliefs
about religion. For example, in countries where the
Spanish and French dominated Roman Catholicism is
most dominant. These countries include the Hispanic

5.  Religion is influenced by the stratified nature of
the society. The upper class ( Europeans,
coloureds and some blacks) attended mainstream
European churches.
 Some had dual membership that means they
would attended some of the European churches
but simultaneously practice their Afro- Christian
religions such as pocomania, kumina.
 The aftermath of emancipation saw the full
flowering of syncretic religions in the Caribbean
such as Myal, Revivalism, Pocomania, Santeria
and distinctive African forms- Shango and Vodun

6.  The grassroot religions faced colonial oppression
because they were thought to be loud, bellringing
and a force to resist white supremacy. Thus, the
colonial authorities passed laws forbidding the
Spiritual Baptist to practice their rituals.This was
done in Trinidad and St. Vincent where persons
were imprisoned.
 Despite the oppression faced Africans never
stopped chanting, singing, drumming to escape
the evils of colonialism. This was later
punctuated in the Rastafarian and Marcus Garvey
movements which opposed white supremacy in
the caribbean.

7.  There were other minority groups such as the
Hindus and Muslims who came in the later part of
the 19th century who developed their own religious
groups and schools. For example, in Trinidad the
Hindus belonged to different organizational sects
such as Sanatan Dharma, the Arya Samaj the
Kabir Panth associations all of whom own schools
today.
 The Muslims who were small in comparison to the
Hindus also had their own religious sects such as
the Trinidad Muslim League (TML);the
Tackveeact ul Islamic Association (TIA);
Anjuman Sunnat-ul-Jamaat (ASJA) and Jamaat-
al- Muslimeen ( A radical black muslin group)

8. Impact of Religion on Caribbean
Society and Culture
 Gives sacred authority to society’s rules and values
which helps to maintain social stability- codes of
conduct which brings about cooperation and cohesion
among members.
 Religion helps to preserve cultural heritage in the face
of globalization. For example, the Garifuna of Belize
continue some of their West African traditions such
as Dugu ceremony or feasting of the dead where they
commune with ancestral spirits.
 Legitimates the power and material advantage
employed by the dominant groups/rulers of society.
 What we conceptualize as right or wrong is shaped to
a large extent by religious beliefs. For example, in an
Islamic society capital punishment may be relevant for
more than just unlawful killing. Jehovah’s witnesses

9. Impact of Religion Cont’d
 Commands major influence in society as it affects
non religious institutions such as the family and is
instrumental in bringing about social changes.
 Influences morality- values (pre-marital sex)
 Influences work ethic- honesty, punctuality,
productivity; promotes humanitarian and welfare
services to society.
 Governs perceptions on health.
 Religion can also be seen as a source of
oppression for women. For example, women of
Roman Catholic faith playing a conservative role
where religious laws affect her reproductive
health in not being able to do an abortion or use
birth control. Koranic laws influence dress and

10.  Religion governs the way of life of individuals in
society. For example, fashion recreation and diet.
 Religion is an opium to escape pain and suffering
and find peace with a supernatural being.
 It provides direction and focus for life’s journey.
 Religion does not always promote social solidarity
but can cause conflict between different religious
groups.

11. Sociological Perspectives on
Religion
Functionalist
 Religion functions to preserve social order
and social cohesion.
 Talcott Parsons argues that provides
guidelines for behaviour. In this way religion
helps to provide society with the consensus
which is pivotal for social stability.
 Religious beliefs gives meaning to life; they
answer man’s questions and the world in
which he lives.

12. Marxist Perspectives on
Religion
 Marx sees religion as an illusion that eases the
pain produced by exploitation and oppression.
Religion facilitates ruling class ideology by
justifying and legitimizing the subordination of the
subject class, and the domination and privilege of
the ruling class.
 The ideology of religion serves to distract people
from a true perception of their social environment.
Exploitation is seen as tests by God which if
passed on earth will result in great rewards in
heaven. Poverty is seen as a virtue or God’s will,
thus lower classes never truly understands that
they are being oppressed by the upper class and

13. Interpretivist Perspectives on
Religion
 Emphasis is on how an individual or a group
constructs their idea of God and their relationship
with God and/ or church, how they choose what
they believe and what not to believe, how they
relate the other religions and how belief and non-
belief affects their daily lives and actions.