Which individual believed that religion regulates discourse, practices, and community?

The individual who believed that religion regulates discourse, practices, and community is Durkheim. Émile Durkheim, a foundational sociologist, extensively explored the role of religion in society. He argued that religion serves not only as a system of beliefs and practices but also as a social institution that fosters cohesion and collective identity among individuals. Durkheim emphasized that religious beliefs create moral frameworks and norms that govern the behavior of individuals within a community. This perspective highlights the regulatory role of religion in shaping social life, including the ways people communicate, engage in rituals, and identify with one another.

Lincoln, Freud, and Tillich approached religion from different angles. Lincoln focused on the interpretation of religious texts and traditions, Freud examined the psychological dimensions of religious belief, while Tillich discussed the existential and philosophical aspects of faith. Their contributions are significant but do not center on the regulatory aspect of religion in communities as thoroughly as Durkheim's work does.