The Elementary Forms Of The Religious Life A Study In Religious Sociology

The Elementary Forms Of The Religious Life: A Study In Religious Sociology is a book written by Emile Durkheim, a French sociologist, and philosopher. The book is a comprehensive study of the origins and functions of religion in human society. Durkheim argues that religion is not just a set of beliefs and practices, but a social phenomenon that plays a crucial role in shaping the structure of society.The book begins with an examination of the simplest and most primitive forms of religion, such as totemism and animism, and how they functioned in early human societies. Durkheim then moves on to analyze the more complex and organized religions of modern societies, such as Christianity and Judaism.Throughout the book, Durkheim emphasizes the importance of the collective nature of religion and how it serves to reinforce social cohesion and solidarity. He argues that religion provides a shared set of values and beliefs that help to unify a society and give individuals a sense of belonging and purpose.The Elementary Forms Of The Religious Life is considered a classic work in the field of sociology and has had a significant impact on the study of religion and society. It remains a relevant and thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the relationship between religion and social organization.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.