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 front determining whether or not certain belief-systems and/or ritualized practices stick out be considered a religion, a definition is imperative. For our purposes, I am going to use the extremely elementary 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 create durable societal bonds. Totemic tribes are assorted into clans whose unity results not from kinship, but from the religious relationship between the members. From Durkheims perspective, the totemism in this culture is based 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 society is based somewhat its sacred ritualized practices, it is only 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 practices may not be familiar to many Westerners, when real speculation is given 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, can we really argue that our common religions are more...

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