Conflict Theory vs. Functionalist: Religion

Conflict theorists would argue that organized religion, though originally created to fulfill basic human needs, has distorted into an organization with one purpose: To preserve the power center. Functionalist would agree with the basic tenant that religion by its existence fulfills basic need, but in an entirely different manner. By providing framework within which society may function in harmony, religion contributes to society’s equilibrium. I believe the answer actually lies somewhere between the two, …

…forms and with all its mechanisms of authority and solidarity, confrontation and comfort can provide both power and control over a people as well as a support for those people. It is said that we all have our own versions of reality-that we create it based on our backgrounds and life experiences. Can religion be both a foot on our backs and the soft ground beneath us when we fall? In my mind, it can.