A Definition of Religion

As stated by Clifford Geertz:

"A system of symbols which acts to establish powerful, pervasive, and long-lasting moods and motivations in men by formulating conceptions of a general order of existence and clothing these conceptions with such an aura of factuality that the moods and motivations seem uniquely realistic."

After reading this definition, I couldn't help but think of Max Weber's The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism from Freshmen Studies. The "long-lasting moods and motivations" stated by Geertz immediately reminded me of the development of capitalism in Western Protestant nations as a result of a "protestant ethic" that eventually developed into an entire culture. I'm sure Weber and Geertz would agree, from a cultural standpoint, religion has immense potential for impact on the "motivations in men".

I think the biggest flaw in Geertz's definition is his use of the phrase "clothing these conceptions", as it makes the reader interpret that he is trying to materialize one of the most intangible ideas in existence. After all, theology has been one of the topics of thought in existence for all time, largely attributed to the element of uncertainty that religion holds. More wars, more laws, more works of art have been focused around religion than anything else and the majority of the world's population (by a long shot) practices some form of religion as compared to those who don't. His wording from the defintion makes it seem so tactile when its one of the least tactile things I can think of.

I also think he made quite a literary blunder out of most of the second half of the definition as he appears to be condescending religion as a whole. From a cultural perspective, as Geertz is an anthropologist himself, I can see how his description of religion as he explaining its effects on man in terms of moods and behaviors. Take his phrase "aura of factuality": From every religion's perspective, your practiced religion is the correct one and perhaps this is what he meant: each religion has an established "aura of factuality" that is seen by other religions.