RLG100Y1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Polytheism, Materialism, Edward Burnett Tylor
Document Summary
Ontology is the foundation of every type of study, not just religion. Culture has a material form (objective/material) synagogue, etc. Surveys: social scientists get their information that way; they converse, ask questions. Religion is an instrument used by the powerful to establish control. God is the last line of defense as all knowing and all seeing. When referring to crimes, humans need to be restrained and in fear of punishment. The afterlife is a powerful tool in instituting values, morals in this life and rewarded in the next life. Note: main order is society, equity and justice. Humans taking their own best attributes and empowering the divine. Transferring our own responsibilities / potential onto the supernatural and that these supernatural beings are to solve all our problems. Make approach more contrete or material (historical) To challenge any view of history as pulling ideas first (idealist) Fundamental is materials to live life and material needs.
