From the lecture I have learned about what religion means and that there is no specific definition but that it is based on a community of people that are united by having the same beliefs. In addition to this we explored the difference between established religions, sects and cults and what the key aspects of these different types of religions are.

In the tutorial we looked at three specific key scholars ; M.C.F Bourdillon, Emile Durkheim and Bronislaw Malninowski and researched what they are known for and the impact that there work has had on society. I researched the famous sociologist M.C.F Bourdillon which identified the main functions of religion. These function include ; dealing with life crises, social relations, united people within the group, sentiments and structure, peace in the community, basic needs, identity and explanation and meaning. In one tutorial my group looked at the challenges of religious diversity in society and we came up with possible exam style answers.

My knowledge has vastly developed from today’s lecture as I was unaware of the differences between religions, cults and sects and now I fully understand the ways in which they differ and how they impact society as cults use more radical ideas and practices compared to established religions which have been going for a long time and have established roots. My knowledge has also been enhanced as I was unaware that religions had specific functions and that most religions are based on the same functions therefore are very similar.

After today I plan to work towards relating what I have learned in the lecture and tutorials to the seen question and how I would answer it based on the functions of religion and their impact on society. Also I wish to improve on my knowledge of the different theorists and apply their works to the content of the course and try make links between them.