Question 1
There are many reasons why religion is a group phenomenon. First of all religion has many characteristics of a group. It shares goals and ideals which is a characteristic of social groups. A group is made up of few individuals who share the same goals and ideology. In order for a group to be successful in administering its duty it has to set certain goals which it has to attain. After setting the goals, the group will then formulate a strategy to achieve those goals. On its part religion is a unified system of practices and beliefs regarding sacred things.
An accepted norm is another characteristic that makes religion a group phenomenon. Each and every grouped that is formed has rules and regulations that requires to be followed. Religious people are supposed to follow certain norms to the letter. There is manner in which religious people are supposed to conduct themselves. The holy books require them to be morally upright and be an example to the society. There are also ordinances, rules and laws that govern the day to day conduct of members.
Another element which religion shares with group is organization. Religion is created in such a way that it exhibits various degrees of organization. A religious group is supposed to have a leader who will lead the rest of the members. Without a leader a group cannot perform well since it will lack organization and at the same time it may lead to power struggle. People who sit at the helm of a religious group are trained how to perform their due in accordance to the letter. There are trained officials; priests, cardinals, Bishops, pastors, church assistants, catechists, church leaders etc who occupy the church hierarchy with full powers and authority vested in them.
Commitment is another element that makes religion a group phenomenon. Each member of a group is supposed to be committed to the group. Without commitment a group will be disorganized and various tasks would not be carried out. Believers of a specific religious group are expected to be committed to beliefs of that religion. Religion comprises those aspects of our behavioral complexes that are organized around beliefs, in spiritual or super natural beings.
Group is the most powerful unit of an organization where else religion is the most powerful unit in human society. A part from been powerful, religion is also the most influential and deeply felt unit in the human society. The impact of religion to the society is very enormous; without religion many people would have turned against each other. Other important functions of religion which are also carried out by groups include producing satisfactory services to the society, maintaining the sense of purpose of life, providing orders and acting as a socializing unit.
Question 2
According to the church sect theory members of given religion always belief they are the ‘true” believers and their religion is the best. The church-sect theory explains why there are so many religious groups in the society. Many religious groups are formed as a result of disagreement. Once believers are opposed to a certain religious belief and practice they break away from that religion and they end up forming their own religion. This process continues leading to formation of many other religious groups. The formation of many church sects is the Sources of Denominationalism in the human society. Followers of a sect tend to be of lower charismatic, egalitarian and SES. Sect groups are led by lay leaders and their interpretation of religious practices and ideology is “Orthodox”.
Question 3
A person becomes religious through religious socialization process. The religious practices and beliefs are passed down from one generation to another. Family is the basic element o religious socialization in a society. Parent teaches their children beliefs and practices of a certain religion and expects them to adhere to them. Thus children grow up while they are already familiar with religious beliefs and practices of a certain religion. It is no coincide that most children and parent are of the religion and they go to worship together at the same place.
Question 4
Religious difference is the main source of religious conflict. Since there are many religions in the world, each and every religious group thinks their practices and beliefs are the best. The conflict theory by Karl Marx tries to explain why there are religious conflicts in the world. Difference in ideology is one of the major reasons why religious groups conflicts. All religious groups want to suppress each other in the bid of luring more followers unfortunately this leads to rivalry. This creates animosity among religious groups and in extreme instances it cause conflict. Past Religious disagreement in History also acts as a catalyst towards religious conflict. Religious groups that had fought before hate each other and in the process create tension in the society. Religious extremists among different religions can leads to conflict intensification. Trying to suppress another religious group in order to dominate the region causes conflict.
