The United States forms one of the most religiously diverse countries in the world. From the functionalists’ perspective, this is a strength of the American society. The functionalists’ view is that society is a system of interconnected or interrelated parts that work collectively towards maintaining a state of equilibrium and social balance for everyone (Dastmalchian, 2013). For instance, every religious group in the American society makes positive contributions to the country’s economic, political, and social development.
Additionally, the functionalists’ perspective emphasizes the society’s interconnectedness by concentrating on how various components influence one another. For example, the coexistence of different religious beliefs in the American society may or may not reflect a degree of tolerance that represents mutual respect to different spiritual views. However, the broad or great tolerance for religious diversity can form a better survival strategy for the American society, thereby acting as the country’s strength (Dastmalchian, 2013).
Also, according to functionalists, the effects of various social elements on the society may either be functional or dysfunctional. Societal aspects are said to be functional from the functionalists' perspective if they enhance social stability (Dastmalchian, 2013). Therefore, the American society’s religious diversity can be considered as a functional element from the functionalists’ perspective due to its contribution to strengthening the society by eliminating acts of prejudice, marginalization, exclusion, violence born of ignorance or intolerance, and small-mindedness. Besides, from the functionalists’ viewpoint, the United States’ religious diversity acts as a protection against monolithic, blind positions that have historically led to charges of brutal persecution, wars, and genocides.
In overall, the functionalists’ view is that any society gets its strength from its interconnected or interrelated components. In other words, every religion or faith that forms part of the American society has its own of beliefs, traditions, and practices that coexist to create an interconnected nation that is stronger politically, socially, and economically.
References
Dastmalchian, A. (2013). The Epistemology of Religious Diversity in Contemporary Philosophy of Religion. Philosophy Compass, 8(3), 298-308. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/phc3.12007
