Comparative Study of Non-Substitutability of Religion from Malinowski and Shahid Motahhari's Viewpoints

Human being has been accompanied with religion since the beginning of the creation and so will be in all stages of life. During recent centuries, however, some given ideas have claimed no need of religion for human. The most prominent reason for adherents of this idea lies in development of human in scientific growth. From western world, Malinowski, and from Islam world thinkers, Shahid Motahary, believe that religion has some features for which no substitution can be found in any way. Regarding uniqueness of religion, Malinowski only puts emphasis on its particular functions. In a macro view, in addition to particular functions of religion, Shahid Motahary has pointed to its innateness as an important factor in eternity of religion. For him, religion is respondent to real needs of human nature and in this way he considers authenticity for religion. On the contrary, with an instrumental look upon religion, functionalists have focused on its non-substitutable capabilities and even they advise unbelievers of religion to maintain it in the society.