Lecture slides from "Introduction to Religious Studies" at the University of Alabama. Written by Prof. Michael J. Altman

1. Religion is Functional

2. The Problem with Essentialism
It’s not empirical!

3. Functionalism
• Empirical approach
– Studies observable data
• Not what religion is, but what religion does
– Nix v. Hedden decision
• How does religion function?
• What purpose does it serve?

4. Functions of Religion
• Karl Marx: Economic
• Emile Durkheim: Sociological
• Sigmund Freud: Psychological

5. Ideology
• Government
• Culture
• Art
• Religion
• Material
• Labor
• Alienation
• Class struggle
Karl Marx (1818-1883)

6. Religion as ideology
“Religious distress is at the same time the
expression or real [economic] distress and
the protest against real distress. Religion is
the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart
of a heartless world, just as it is the spirit of
a spiritless situation. It is the opium of the
people. The abolition of religion as the
illusory happiness of the people is required
for their real happiness.”

7. Religion as ideology
• An expression of class struggle.
• An illusion
• Chief purpose is to provide reasons for
why oppressors are in charge
• Alienation to God, mirrors alienation of
labor
• Must be dismissed

8. Two Problems with Functionalism
• Reductionism
• Hidden essentialism