Emile Durkheim
Recognizing the social origin of religion, Durkheim argued that religion acted as a source of solidarity and identification for the individuals within a society. Religion provided a meaning for life, it provided authority figures, and most importantly it reinforced the morals and social norms held collectively by all within a society. Far from dismissing religion as simple fantasy, despite its natural origin, Durkheim saw it as a critical part of the social system. Religion provides social control, cohesion, and purpose or people, as well as other means of communication and gathering for individuals to interact and reaffirm social norms. Durkheim's second purpose was in identifying certain elements of religious beliefs that are common across different cultures. A belief in a supernatural realm is not necessary or common among religions, but the separation of different aspects of life, physical things and certain behaviours into two categories, the -sacred and the profane-, is common. It is this subject, Durkheim's view of the Sacred, that will be the topic of this paper. I will begin this essay by outlining some of the personal life of Durkheim himself and continue by discussing how Durkheim views what is sacred. I will
It becomes one or the other depending on whether men choose to consider the utilitarian value of the object or certain intrinsic attributes that have nothing to do with its instrumental value. There is such a thing as not receiving the Sacraments, but only through desire. Sacred things are physical and moral, positive and negative, helpful and dangerous. Society was once built very strongly on religion and the community was very focused on these beliefs. Things set apart and forbidden - beliefs and practices which unite one single moral community called church, all those who adhere to them. Just as one needs food and drink to sustain their natural lives, one also needs food and drink o the Holy Eucharist to stay alive in His grace. It impinges on human consciousness with moral obligation, and an ethical imperative, and elicits intense respects. Anointing of the Sick As one's body approached the end of it's days, their soul needs the help that only Christ can give to enter eternity with peaceful confidence in God's mercy. Emile Durkheim was very focused on religion and the effects it had on the individual. The moment it is said that the Sacraments are channels of divine grace, it is assumed one is born into this world without the grace needed to reach Heaven. But this same God gave them a free will they are to use according to His will, in order to reach the celestial home where He is waiting for them. It is believed that all religions hold certain things to be sacred. I believe that these groups are brought together by a common bond and have sacred things within that group. Sacredness, developed by Durkheim, although not in the full meaning, is still present in today's society.
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