De los directivos

The functionalist theory sees religion as a system of interrelated systems that constitute the whole social system. Each unit or sub-system is interdependent on the other institutions of the whole social system.

Changes in any part or sub-system affect the others as well as the total condition of the whole social system. This argument of the functionalist theory is that anything that has no function ceases to exist. However, since religion has continued to exist, it probably must have a function within the social system.

The functionalist school of thought views the contribution of religion to human societies and cultures based on its general characteristics of

27 contingency, powerlessness, and scarcity. The functionalists assert that since human beings live in conditions of uncertainty and insecurity, all things are contingent and so devoid of any security. According to functionalists, human beings are incapable of controlling and affecting situations within their environment such as suffering, decay, death, and so on. This exposes their weakness or powerlessness. Lastly, that human beings have to grapple with scarce resources to satisfy unlimited wants or needs, there is relative socio-economic deprivation.

Based on these three characteristics of human existence, which have been described by Weber as “breaking points in human existence,”

religion plays positive roles in society. Some of the positive roles or functions of religion will be discussed here.

Religion introduces a new life style. A new outlook, thinking and conduct or behaviour is introduced to adherent’s knowledge to shape their reflections, decisions, choices, tastes, opinions, habits, feelings and freedom of action. Such a particular lifestyle is created, maintained and sustained through religious doctrines, laws and ethics. These serve as safeguards, checkpoints, or racetracks against a deviation from the laid down lifestyle.

New relationships are also established. Religion creates several fellowship levels – women, adult, males, and the youth. Out of these groups, friendship, marriages, godparents, godchildren, and fraternal brotherhoods emerge. Thus, religion opens a new horizon in the life of the adherent as he is given an opportunity to interact socially and religiously.

The Introduction of New Institutions

Religion introduces new institutions to its adherents. For example, the Christian missionaries introduced such new institutions like hospitals, schools, a new legal system, a new form of marriage (monogamy), and so on. Similarly, Islam introduced Islamic education and the Sharia legal system. All these institutions were alien to the African prior to the coming of these religions on the land of Africa.

Religion enhances the establishment and maintenance of new social groups among various communities. The Christian missionaries, for example, introduced in Nigeria such groups as Boys’ Brigade, Girls’

Brigade, Boys’ Scout, Fellowship of Christian Students, Young Men’s Christian Association, Young Women’s Christian Association, and so on. In these social groups, members learn both religious and social values, which help them to be faithful Christians and patriotic citizens.

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Dissemination of Ideas and Information

Religion introduces new ideas and aids the dissemination of such ideas and information to every nook and cranny of the community. Christian missionaries brought new ideas and information about education, medicine, business enterprises, agriculture, roads, pipe-borne water, rural electrification, games, bridges, architecture, organisation and administration. All these ideas and information were disseminated to mission stations in rural communities. The Islamic religion did the same thing, having introduced Islamic education, laws, Arabic language, Arabic writing, mode of dressing, architecture, marriage and purdah system, and so on. These religions and others alike have established communication channels such as newspapers, television, radio, pulpits, revivals and religious literature to enlighten members of the public about their activities, and current issues in the mass media.

Religion transforms the society

Every newly introduced religion changes a people’s culture. It does this by introducing new cultural elements such as religious doctrines, dogma, laws, organisations, pressure groups, buildings, patterns of marriage, kinship, training of children, death and burial rites among other elements of culture. For instance, Christianity came and eliminated some traditional and cultural practices like the killing of twins, slavery, female circumcision among some communities.

From all these we can see the positive role of religion in the society.

However, we must note that religion plays negative roles or functions in the society too. For instance, religion serves as a source of conflict between individuals and communities. Religious intolerance and fanaticism often mars peaceful co-existence among families, communities and nations. Wrong religious orientation could lead to deviant behaviour and deficient personality maladjustment and integration. Occasionally, religion prevents its adherents from attending to their social needs, and action that could have improved their condition in society.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE 1

1. List the five characteristics of African traditional religion.

2. Mention any two importance of religion in the society.

3. Identify four positive roles of religion in the society.

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3.3 The Role and Significance of Culture in the African