The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life

by Émile Durkheim

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"The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life" by Émile Durkheim is a book published in 1912 that analyzes religion as a social phenomenon. Durkheim argues that religious beliefs emerge from communal living and emotional bonds within society. Through studying totemic societies in Australia, he proposes that sacred symbols actually represent society itself.

Summary from Project Gutenberg.

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Topics: Cults · Religion · Religion -- Philosophy · Rites and ceremonies · Totemism