Functional theoriesEdit Karl MarxEdit Sigmund FreudEdit mile DurkheimEdit Bronisaw MalinowskiEdit Max WeberEdit Rational choice theoryEdit.. The ideas of three early sociological theorists continue to strongly influence the sociology of religion Durkheim, Weber, and Marx.. Functionalist theory shows how religion impacts both society and the individual. We have evidence that people turn to religion in times of stress and crisis,.... . . ... Substantive or essentialist theories that focus on the contents of religions and the meaning the contents has for people. This approach.... . . ... As a functionalist, Malinowski believed that religion provided shared values and behavioral norms that created solidarity between people. The.... Understanding The Three Main Sociological Theories Of ReligionMeta Description- The three main sociological theories of religion were given by Emile.... . Animism and Magic E.B. . Religion and Personality Sigmund Freud . Society as Sacred Emile Durkheim . Religion as Aliena
