The Social Conception of Religion: Revisiting a Lesser-Known Durkheim Text
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: La Conception sociale de la religion. Retour Ă un texte peu connu de Durkheim.
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions� publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales�)
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Emile Poulat.
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly�)
Full text available for: La Conception sociale de la religion. Retour Ă un texte peu connu de Durkheim.
Year: 1970
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The text discusses Emile Durkheim's lesser-known intervention at a series of discussions organized by the Union of Free Thinkers and Believers for Moral Culture during the 1913-1914 season. Constant Hamès, who had initially intended to provide further insights on Durkheim's work, was unable to do so due to his commitments in Africa. The discussion included participation from notable figures, including pastor Marc Bogner, who corroborated the significance of Durkheim's ideas, particularly regarding the social conception of religion. The text highlights the challenges surrounding the accessibility of Durkheim's work and the influence it has had on sociological discussions regarding religion.
The Importance of Studying Simple Religious Forms
One key concept outlined by Durkheim is the importance of examining the simplest forms of religion to grasp essential elements of religious life. Durkheim argues that a nascent science should analyze problems in their most straightforward forms before progressing to more complex manifestations. He believes that understanding simple religions provides clearer insights into the fundamental components of religious experiences. While he acknowledges the value of studying more advanced religions, he emphasizes that initial research should focus on the elemental forms, as these will lay the groundwork for a deeper understanding of more developed religious traditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Durkheim's responses to queries from members of the Union reveal his methodological approach to the study of religion, which prioritizes simple forms as a foundation for further inquiry. His reflections also indicate the complexities surrounding the study of religion, including the historical evolution of beliefs and the impact of major religious figures. Despite the passage of time and the ongoing evolution of sociological studies, Durkheim's foundational ideas about the social nature of religion continue to resonate and invite further exploration in contemporary scholarship.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of studying simple religious forms?
Emile Durkheim believed that studying very simple religions is instructive for sociology because it allows researchers to address fundamental problems in their simplest forms. Understanding these basic elements aids in comprehending more complex religious expressions later on.
Did Durkheim view contemporary Australians as true primitives?
Durkheim stated that there are no 'true primitives.' Every society, including contemporary Australians, has a history. He chose to study Australian religion for its simplicity, without suggesting they represent untouched ancient practices.
What is Durkheim's stance on studying the effects of superior religions?
Durkheim found it important to explore how dominant religions, like Christianity, impact the collective consciousness of tribes or peoples practicing animism or fetishism, suggesting that these interactions represent a significant field of sociological study.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “The Social Conception of Religion: Revisiting a Lesser-Known Durkheim Text�. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Religion:
Religion is a central theme in Durkheim's work, representing the collective beliefs and practices that bind societies together. It embodies the essential elements of human life, shaping social structures while evolving through various forms, from primitive beliefs to advanced faith systems. Durkheim's analysis is crucial in understanding these dynamics.
2) Conversation:
The text discusses a significant conversation where Durkheim presented his ideas on religion. Such conversations facilitate the exchange of knowledge and perspectives, allowing different viewpoints to emerge. In this instance, the conversation served as a platform for both support and critique of Durkheim's social conception of religion.
3) Paris:
[see source text or glossary: #Paris#]
4) Consciousness:
Consciousness in this context refers to the collective consciousness that shapes religious beliefs and social norms. Durkheim examines how individual and collective religious beliefs contribute to societal functions, establishing a framework for understanding the complexities of religion within human consciousness, informed by social interactions.
5) Sentiment:
Sentiment plays a significant role in religion, manifesting in the shared emotional experiences and values of believers. Durkheim argues that religious sentiment fosters a sense of belonging among individuals, binding them to their communities and reinforcing social cohesion through shared rituals and beliefs.
6) Future:
The future of religion is a recurring topic, indicating concerns about how evolving societies will adapt religious beliefs and practices. Durkheim's insights into the social conception of religion provide a foundation for exploring how future generations may reinterpret and reconstruct their religious identities as cultures intersect and evolve.
7) Union:
The Union of free thinkers and free believers is significant as it represents a collective voice advocating for moral culture and modern thought in religious contexts. This organization facilitated dialogues that allowed sociologists like Durkheim to share their perspectives on religion, contributing to broader discussions about social values.
8) Cult:
Cult refers to the organized practices and beliefs surrounding specific religious expressions. Durkheim's analysis often touches on the nature of cults, emphasizing their role in shaping communal identity and reinforcing religious sentiment within societies. Different cultures may have diverse cults that represent various aspects of their values and beliefs.
9) Experience:
Experience is integral to understanding religion as it encompasses the emotive and social dimensions of religious life. Durkheim emphasizes that collective experiences in religious settings contribute to the formation of social norms and community bonds, showing how personal encounters with the sacred influence broader societal structures.
10) Knowledge:
Knowledge is vital within the study of religion, as it informs scholars about the complexities of belief systems. Durkheim emphasizes that understanding the evolution of religions requires a deep knowledge of both primitive and advanced forms. This knowledge allows for a richer comprehension of how religions function socially and culturally.
11) Nature:
[see source text or glossary: #Nature#]
12) Memory:
Memory plays a crucial role in the transmission of religious beliefs and practices across generations. Durkheim highlights how collective memory shapes communal identities and reinforces traditions, particularly in the context of evolving religious sentiments. This shared memory fosters continuity within religious communities over time.
13) Doubt:
Doubt is part of the intellectual discourse surrounding religion, questioning the assumptions that underlie beliefs and practices. In Durkheim's analysis, acknowledging doubt can lead to a deeper understanding of the collective religious sentiment and the social functions of religion, fostering critical inquiries into faith and belief structures.
14) Power:
Power within religion often reflects the ability to influence social norms and practices. Durkheim's examination of social structures shows how religious institutions can wield power over collective consciousness, shaping behaviors and community dynamics by reinforcing or challenging societal values and beliefs.
15) Pakan:
Paganism represents a category of religions outside the major monotheistic traditions, often characterized by nature-based beliefs and practices. In discussions around religion, Durkheim's work provides insights into how pagan belief systems function within their cultural contexts, influencing social structures and collective sentiments.
16) Book:
The book, particularly referring to Durkheim's 'Elementary Forms of Religious Life,' serves as a foundational text in the sociology of religion. This work meticulously outlines his theories, popularizing the study of religious phenomena and influencing subsequent scholarship regarding the social aspects of religious belief and practice.