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 movement determining whether or non certain belief-systems and/or ritualized practices quiver out be considered a theology, a rendering is imperative. For our purposes, I am going to wont the extremely elementary definition from Websters stark naked lexicon , A system of assent 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 every last(predicate) religions. Durkheim sets his focus on Australian totemism, because it is the nigh primitive kitchen-gardening with the roughly resources available. From Durkheims perspective, the basis of totemism is to create lasting societal bonds. Totemic tribes are as somaed into clans whose unity results not from kinship, but from the religious kind between the members. From Durkheims perspective, the totemism in this shade is based on the dedicated relationships developed by the clans members in addition to some totemic unit, which is usually a run aground or animals species putting green to the area. If an built-in society is based somewhat its sacred ritualized practices, it is only true(p) to consider those ritualized beliefs and practices as constituting a religion.

Thus, the echt question is, home a society whose spirituality is based on kinship, and whose caprice of sacred lies only in the ties within the clan and not on a never-ending 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 complexness that underlies many forms of totemism. In addition, when smell at the religions that are common to us Westerners, can we in truth argue that our common religions are more... If you want to birth a full essay, order it on our website: Orderessay

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