Weber therefore was no exception. It is not just a strict institution but also exerts a tremendous influence upon all other institutions. ADVERTISEMENTS: Religion being a pervasive and universal institution is deeply rooted in human beings. Because religion can be central to many people’s concept of themselves, sometimes there is an “in-group” versus “out-group” feeling toward other religions in our society or within a particular practice. The History of Religion as a Sociological Concept. Durkheim's theory of religion exemplifies how functionalists examine sociological phenomena. While there are many specific and different religions, religion itself is an abstract concept—a general category of human pursuit that manifests itself in a variety of ways in different cultures, times and places. John Dewey "The religious is any activity pursued on behalf of an ideal end against obstacles and in spite of threats of personal loss because of its general … *Each of these religions has sects with differing beliefs. Many sociologists and anthropologists were fascinated by the mystic side of religion. The ending explains how Jesus' teaching differs from the major religions. According to Durkheim, people see religion as contributing to the health and continuation of society in general. Religious Beliefs. Hinduism, New Age Spirituality, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity. Although many Igbo people are now Christians, traditional Igbo religious practices still abound. What Weber was concerned within the sociology […] The traditional Igbo religion includes an uncontested general reverence for Ala or Ana, the earth goddess, and beliefs and rituals related to numerous other male and female deities, spirits, and ancestors, who protect their living descendants. ... Because religion can be central to many people’s concept of themselves, sometimes there is an “in-group” versus “out-group” feeling toward other religions in our society or within a particular practice. Unfortunately the world has too much “religion” (= dogmas, rites and rituals and of course an intermediary – the clergy) and too little SPIRITUALITY which is so deeply internalised as to be unshakeable in the conviction that there is a common divinity that resides within all sentient beings. Sigmund Freud "Religion is comparable to childhood neurosis." Conceptions of God in monotheist, pantheist, and panentheist religions – or of the supreme deity in henotheistic religions – can extend to various levels of abstraction: as a powerful , human-like , supernatural being, or as the deification of an esoteric , mystical or philosophical entity or category; "There is only one religion, though there are hundreds of versions of it." 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