Introduction
By looking at the beliefs existing in the tribal societies, Emile Durkheim gives readers in-depth insights into the nature of religion which facilitates a person’s integration into the community and reinforces existing social norms; in this way, the writer refutes many of the conventional assumptions about this concept. This paper will include a discussion of Durkheim’s views on religion and his definition of this concept. Furthermore, one should examine the reasons why he attaches importance to the study of the so-called primitive religions and the examination of rituals. Overall, the author convincingly demonstrates that religion does not always incorporate the belief in supernatural entities; more likely, religion is a force that strengthens the social ties between the community members.
The central arguments advanced by the author
In his book The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life, Durkheim shows that religion does not have the attributes that are commonly attributed to it. In particular, the author does not speak about the belief in supernatural entities since this element does not always play an important role. Instead, he describes it as a “system of beliefs and practices” that people recognize and adhere to (Durkheim 47). In order to examine this question from a sociological viewpoint, the author attaches importance to the study of primitive religions. This approach is useful because, in this way, one can identify the core elements of any religious phenomenon and explain how these elements interact with one another (Durkheim 7). For Example, Durkheim focuses on totemism, animist, and naturism which exist predominantly in tribal societies. In this way, one can single out the main attributes of every religion. Moreover, his discussion implies that sacred ideas play a critical role in every religion. In this context, the term sacred denotes the ideas that inspire people’s awe and respect. Religions evolve because the notions of sacred also become more complicated. Yet, Durkheim identifies other elements of religion, and one should discuss them as well.
This author states that religious practices like rituals create the identity of the community; so, one can argue that they influence the development of the society. Durkheim states that religious rituals express or reflect “collective realities” that people can recognize and interpret (Durkheim 10). This function of religion is particularly noticeable in tribal communities. Furthermore, it helps a person integrate into the community and feel a sense of belonging. So, religion reinforces the existing social norms. Yet, scholars often debate his arguments, and readers should consider their critique in order to evaluate the arguments put forward by Durkheim in his books.
Analysis
One can argue that the research methods used by Emile Durkheim lack accuracy and validity. In many cases, the author fails to support his claims with proper empirical evidence. This argument is particularly relevant if one speaks about his description of tribal societies and their religious beliefs. In particular, the author does not rely on the findings that anthropologists could provide (Pickering 239). Durkheim often relies on sources that lack credibility, for instance, one can mention the memoirs of merchants (Thompson 136). Nevertheless, this critique does not invalidate the assumption according to which religion performs important social functions and influences the interactions within groups.
Conclusion
Overall, Emile Durkheim is able to show that religion plays a critical social function because it strengthens the unity of the community and reflects the nature of relations between people. Despite possible limitations of his works, the author is able to show that religion is one of the most important social institutions that ensure the existence of the community.
Works Cited
Durkheim, Emile. The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life, London: George Allen & Unwin Ltd, 1965. Print.
Pickering, William. Durkheim’s Sociology of Religion: Themes and Theories, New York: Casemate Publishers, 2009. Print.
Thompson, Kenneth. Emile Durkheim, New York: Routledge, 2003. Print.