Definitions of religion

Substantive definition: (👤 Weber, 1920) defines religion as belief in a superior or supernatural power that is above nature and cannot be explained scientifically.
- Has a Western bias and excludes religions like Buddhism that lack a concept of a god.
Functional definition: (👤 Durkheim, 1912 and 👤 Yinger, 1957) define religion by the functions it performs for society and individuals, such as answering ‘ultimate questions’ about life and death.
- Can be too broad, including ideologies and political movements that are not religions.
Social constructionist definition: (👤 Aldridge, 2000): focuses on how individuals and groups define religion, with meanings varying between contexts.
- Makes it hard to develop a single, universally accepted definition.

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