NAME : JOHN

SURNAME : RUZVIDZO

REG NO : R213226G

PROGRAMME : BACHELOR OF ARTS HONOURS IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

MODULE : HREDS 109 SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION

MODE OF ENTRY: VISITING

LECTURER : MADAM SEBATA

LEVEL : 1.2

SEMESTER : 1 2023

QUESTION : Discuss the relationship between Religion, culture and development in a

particular society
The relationship between religion, culture, and development in a particular society is a complex
and multifaceted topic that has been the subject of much debate and research. Where Religion is
defined as a set of values that combines a community and has a sacred space and diet of a
supernatural reverence in it. Culture being the way of living that comes along with a group of
people and helps the community to be identified or identify each other. Development can be
defined as the progress of surroundings or in this case of human life from a bad state to a state
that shows a religious and cultural heritage that supports the societal progression than under
development. Religion and culture are intertwined and can affect the development of a society in
various ways, including economic, social, and political development. In this essay, we will
explore this relationship by examining the views of five scholars.

One of the scholars who have written extensively on the relationship between religion, culture,
and development is Max Weber. Weber (2002) argued that Protestantism played a significant
role in the development of capitalism in Western Europe. According to Weber, the Protestant
work ethic, which emphasized hard work and thrift, provided the necessary cultural foundation
for the development of capitalism. Therefore it becomes difficult to separate these three entities
of societal progression making them have a relationship that can affect each other both positively
and negatively. In that case the Protestant has survived the heat through making sure that through
religion and an upright culture they develop communities they operate in. The case of Zimbabwe
and the RCZ (Reformed Church Zimbabwe) most of its congregation is made up of teachers and
more have become a learned sector that has see the development of Zimbabwe too.

Another scholar, Clifford Geertz, focused on the role of religion in shaping cultural systems.
Geertz (1973) argued that religion provided a symbolic framework for understanding the world
and that it influenced the values and beliefs of a society. He emphasized the importance of
understanding the cultural context in which religion operates and how it shapes the development
of a society. In this case the scholar tried to show that just as the three aids that makes fire burn,
fuel, heat and oxygen these there elements of a society have a long term relationship as much as
a short term relationship in development of each community

Robert Wuthnow, a sociologist, has explored the relationship between religion and social
change. Wuthnow (1994) he argues that religion can both support and challenge social change by
providing a framework for understanding social issues and mobilizing people to take action.
Wuthnow also emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of religion in shaping
cultural norms and

values. As much these can affected each other once their frame work differ. In as much as the
three need each other they can affect each other if the ethics of the three do not see the need of
the other’s ethical values. Henceforth, their relationship becomes a challenge because religion in
some case would not accept gay while the culture accepts, a problem that can not be overlooked
starts affecting the three. Developed countries have ever since cut ties with countries that are
against the rights of the minority as they mention cultural differences in bisexuality activities
hence the decision affects development then the relationship can be hostile.

Berger (1999), a sociologist of religion, has written about the relationship between religion and
modernization. He argues that as societies become more modern, they become more secular and
that religion loses its influence. However, Berger also suggests that religion can adapt to
modernity and play a positive role in shaping social change. This can be witnessed through how
the Pentecostal urges it’s congregation to work hard and make sure they live a live with little
poverty if any. Creating a developed society from the relationship of the three religion, culture
and development which makes it a good relationship.

Finally, Sen (2005), an economist, has written about the relationship between culture and
economic development. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural context in
which economic development takes place and how culture can shape economic outcomes. Sen
argues that economic development should be seen as a means to achieve broader human goals,
such as freedom and well-being. The scholar in this case couples culture and development
leaving out religion meaning the two can do without the third in a secularism manner which
makes it doubtable culture and development need religion to evolve, so the relationship becomes
blurry.

In conclusion, the relationship between religion, culture, and development in a particular society
is complex and multifaceted. The views of the scholars discussed above highlight the importance
of understanding the cultural context in which religion operates, the role of religion in shaping
cultural norms and values, and the ways in which religion can both support and challenge social
change. Ultimately, a nuanced understanding of these relationships is essential for promoting
sustainable and equitable development in diverse societies.

References:

Berger, P. (1999). The Desecularization of the World: A Global Overview. In P. Berger (Ed.),
The Desecularization of the World: Resurgent Religion and World Politics (pp. 1-18). William
B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

Geertz, C. (1973). The Interpretation of Cultures. Basic Books.

Sen, A. (2005). Culture and Development. In D. Held & A. Kaya (Eds.), Global Inequality:
Patterns and Explanations (pp. 167-179). Polity Press.

Weber, M. (2002). The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. Routledge.

Wuthnow, R. (1994). Sharing the Journey: Support Groups and America’s New Quest for
Community. Free Press.