Question

Which of the following statements about religion is NOT true?

a-It creates and maintains social solidarity.
b-It is sometimes a source of conflict.
c-It creates and maintains divisions within society.
d-It is, in some cases, ecologically adaptive.
e-It is a cultural construction, therefore not real

Answer 1

The statement about religion that is not true is 'e- It is a cultural construction, therefore not real,' as religion, while a cultural construction, has tangible and significant effects on society and individuals.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the statements about religion, the one that is NOT true is e- It is a cultural construction, therefore not real. This statement is incorrect because while religion is indeed a cultural construction, it is very real in its effects on society and individuals.

The other statements correctly identify that religion can create and maintain social solidarity, sometimes be a source of conflict, create and maintain divisions within society, and be ecologically adaptive. These multiple roles of religion show how it is deeply intertwined with social structures and individual lives.

Religion serves as a social institution by providing opportunities for social interaction, forming groups, offering social support, and promoting social norms. It fosters group cohesion and can create in-group vs. out-group dynamics, which sometimes lead to social conflicts like the Inquisition, Salem witch trials, and anti-Semitism.

Despite its potential divisiveness, religion is also a unifying force within societies, encapsulating a range of beliefs and practices that contribute to social integration.