religion definition essay

1-2 pages, double spaced

1. Write a short essay comparing two social scientific attempts at defining “religion” to John Bowen’s definition.

Bowen's definition:  "I propose to define religion in two stages. First, we can use an extremely broad definition, such as “ideas and practices that postulate reality beyond that which is immediately available to the senses.” This is a broad definition—too broad, as it includes string theory in physics (although some physicists do consider such untested theories to be akin to religious belief!). Second, for each society we study, we ask how these people construct their world."

Textbook link: 

http://catalogue.pearsoned.ca/assets/hip/us/hip_us_pearsonhighered/samplechapter/0205917666.pdf