What It Is For The Anthropology Of Religion - 957 Words

In 1966 Geertz described religion as ‘(1) a system of symbols which acts to (2) establish powerful, pervasive, and long lasting moods and motivations in men by (3) formulating conceptions of general order of existence and (4) clothing these conceptions with such an aura of faculty that (5) the moods and motivations seem uniquely realistic’ (Geertz, 1966 :4), a quote which Asad refers to as ‘perhaps the most influential, certainly the most accomplished, anthropological definition of religion to have appeared in the last two decades’ (Asad, 1983 :237). In this essay I intend to briefly outline what it is Geertz aims to achieve with his approach, concentrating mainly on his focus on symbols and identifying the contributions this idea has given to the anthropology of religion. I will also touch upon the similarities and differences between Geertz’s (1966) definition and that of Asad (1983). Geertz’s describes his definition of religion as a universal one but geared to focus on the particular; one that can be applied to all religions, and once identified as a religion we can distinguish a separation between religion and other entities i.e. politics, therefore allowing us to discuss the relationship which intertwines them. Geertz describes culture as ‘a system of inherited conceptions expressed in symbolic forms by means of which men communicate, perpetuate, and develop their knowledge about and attitudes toward life’ (Geertz, 1966 :3), thus the ways of which we understand whatShow MoreRelatedPhilosophy, Phenomenology And Comparative Approachs851 Words   |  4 Pagesthere are six different approaches to religion. One approach is the psychological or individual aspect. Then there is the sociological approach which looks at group behavior. Then there is also the anthropological approach which is looks at societies, cultures and things of that nature. 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