I found the rational choice theory
(also known as surplus and exchange theory) to actually be extremely straightforward
and sensible. Supposedly with this theory you take a look at one religion at a time
and make a pros and cons list, debating on whether or not that will fit your
lifestyle. I find this idea to be absolutely fascinating, and a big contributor
as to why there are just so many denominations of Christianity. This definitely
plays into some of the ideas we've discussed in class about religion being very
personal. We pick a religion that benefits us the most, and find others whose
beliefs are the most similar to ours.
Let’s put this into action and
based off the rational choice theory decide which religion to pick, given the
limited information. Take for instance Jehovah’s Witnesses. They don’t believe
in hell, that’s pretty great right? They also don’t celebrate birthdays, saving
you money not having to buy a pesky gift! On the other hand, those who leave
the group are then shunned, thus a con. Now let’s make a short pro and cons
list for the Westboro Baptist Church. Pro, they are a very tight knit
community. Cons, they are sexist, racist, homophobic, and all around terrible.
Also, they are exclusive to those who don’t share their exact beliefs. Assuming
these are the only two options, using the rational choice theory, nearly
everyone would likely choose to be a Jehovah’s Witness.
Given the vast amount of choices in
religion, and the personal interpretation of religion, rational choice theory
makes sense, but can be difficult. You are not supposed to compare the two
religions with this theory, but once you have multiple pro and con lists, you
have to compare them in order to make a decision. I feel that makes it slightly
contradictory. But here is one thing we can hopefully all agree on!
Digital image. Zerobs.net. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2014.
I like your explanation of rational choice theory, very straight-forward.
ReplyDeleteIn using the pro and con checklist approach, how can any one explain why there are any members of the Westboro Baptist Church? It would be interesting to hear your take on how fringe religious groups such as this are able to maintain themselves in context to the theory (outside of rampant brainwashing, of course).