The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life

By Émile Durkheim

A seminal work of sociology that explores the origins of religion and its role in society

In The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life, Émile Durkheim argues that religion is not simply a product of superstition or wishful thinking, but rather a fundamental aspect of human society. He bases this argument on a study of the religious beliefs and practices of Australian Aborigines, which he argues represent the most elementary form of religion.

Durkheim argues that religion is based on the distinction between the sacred and the profane. The sacred is that which is set apart from the ordinary world and is imbued with a sense of awe and mystery. The profane, on the other hand, is the ordinary world of everyday life.

Religion, according to Durkheim, is a system of beliefs and practices that unite a group of people into a moral community. It provides a shared set of values and norms that govern behavior and give meaning to life. Religion also serves to integrate individuals into society by providing them with a sense of belonging and purpose.

Durkheim's theory of religion has been influential in the development of sociology and anthropology. It has also been used to explain a wide range of social phenomena, from the rise of nationalism to the persistence of religious belief in modern societies.

Key Concepts

• The sacred and the profane: The sacred is that which is set apart from the ordinary world and is imbued with a sense of awe and mystery. The profane, on the other hand, is the ordinary world of everyday life.
• Religion: A system of beliefs and practices that unite a group of people into a moral community. It provides a shared set of values and norms that govern behavior and give meaning to life.
• Collective effervescence: A state of heightened emotion and solidarity that is experienced by members of a group when they come together for religious rituals.
• Totemism: A religious system in which a group of people identify with a particular animal or plant, which they regard as their totem.

Why You Should Read This Book

The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life is a classic work of sociology that offers a unique and insightful perspective on the origins of religion and its role in society. Durkheim's theory of religion is based on a careful study of the religious beliefs and practices of Australian Aborigines, and it provides a powerful challenge to traditional notions of religion as a product of superstition or wishful thinking.

This book is essential reading for anyone interested in sociology, anthropology, or the study of religion. It is also a valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the role of religion in society and how it shapes our lives.

Praise for The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life

"A masterpiece of sociological analysis." — Talcott Parsons

"One of the most important works of social theory ever written." — Robert N. Bellah

"A brilliant and challenging book that has had a profound impact on the study of religion." — Clifford Geertz