Which framework asserts that human beliefs and practices constitute the core of religion?

The framework that asserts human beliefs and practices constitute the core of religion is Durkheim's. Émile Durkheim, a foundational sociologist, argued that religion is fundamentally a social phenomenon arising from collective human experiences and beliefs. He emphasized the role of collective rituals and the importance of community in shaping religious practices. For Durkheim, the essence of religion lies in the shared beliefs and collective conscience of a group, which transcends individual interpretations and emphasizes connection to the community.

Other frameworks, while they may focus on aspects of religion, do not center their analysis on beliefs and practices in the same way. For instance, Marxism critiques religion primarily as a tool for social control and oppression, viewing it as reflective of economic structures rather than a core component of social life. Freud’s approach, on the other hand, interprets religion through a psychological lens, focusing on individual consciousness and subconsciousness, rather than collective practices. Paul Tillich’s framework highlights the existential nature of faith but is more concerned with questions of ultimate meaning than with the foundational social practices of religion. Thus, the emphasis on beliefs and practices as central to religion aligns closely with Durkheim's sociological perspective.