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, break through front determining whether or non certain belief- formations and/or ritualized practices stick out be considered a religion, a interpretation is imperative. For our purposes, I am going to use the extremely primary(a) definition from Websters stark naked Dictionary , A system of faith and worship. In The mere(a) Forms of Religion, Emile Durkheim, a French Sociologist from the 19th Century, examines totemism in an effort to remove universals between all religions. Durkheim sets his focus on Australian totemism, because it is the nigh primitive kitchen-gardening with the most resources available. From Durkheims perspective, the basis of totemism is to become durable societal bonds. Totemic tribes are assorted into clans whose uniformity results not from kinship, but from the religious relationship between the members. From Durkheims perspective, the totemism in this culture is ground on the sacred relationships developed by the clans members in addition to some totemic unit, which is usually a ground or animals species common to the area. If an entire golf-club is based somewhat its sacred ritualized practices, it is totally fair to consider those ritualized beliefs and practices as constituting a religion.

Thus, the real question is, understructure a society whose otherworldliness is based on kinship, and whose idea of sacred lies only in the ties within the clan and not on a immortal or gods of some sort be considered a religion? The answer to this question is yes. Although totemic pr actices may not be familiar to many Westerne! rs, when real speculation is tending(p) to non-homogeneous totemic religions, it is easy to see the complexity that underlies many forms of totemism. In addition, when looking at the religions that are common to us Westerners, mass we really argue that our common religions are more... If you want to parentage a full essay, order it on our website: BestEssayCheap.com

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