Is totemism a religion? An analysis of Emile Durkheim's view of totemism in 'The Elementary Forms of Religion'

Defining what constitutes a theology is a difficult, if non an impossible quest. However, out front line determining whether or non certain belief-systems and/or ritualized practices tick out be considered a holiness, a rendering is imperative. For our purposes, I am going to put on the extremely elementary definition from Websters stark naked lexicon , A system of trust and worship. In The mere(a) Forms of Religion, Emile Durkheim, a french Sociologist from the 19th Century, examines totemism in an run to remove universals between all(prenominal) religions. Durkheim sets his focus on Australian totemism, because it is the nigh primitive kitchen-gardening with the around resources available. From Durkheims perspective, the basis of totemism is to create abiding societal bonds. Totemic tribes ar as ported into clans whose unity results not from kinship, but from the religious alliance between the members. From Durkheims perspective, the totemism in this grow is based on the reverend relationships developed by the clans members in addition to some totemic unit, which is usually a lay down or animals species universal to the ara. If an constitutional society is based slenderly its sacred ritualized practices, it is only handsome to consider those ritualized beliefs and practices as constituting a religion.

Thus, the touchable question is, ass a society whose otherworldliness is based on kinship, and whose approximation of sacred lies only in the ties within the clan and not on a endless or gods of some sort be considered a religion? The answer to this question is yes. Although totemic practices may not be familiar to many Westerners, when real speculation is given to non-homogeneous totemic religions, it is easy to see the complexity that underlies many forms of totemism. In addition, when look at the religions that are common to us Westerners, can we genuinely argue that our common religions are more... If you want to birth a full essay, order it on our website: Ordercustompaper.com

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