RLG100Y1 Lecture 3: class 3
Document Summary
Emile durkheim: argues that religion is broadly totemist, or a totem function in holding a group together" religion is a necessary force because it has a function in creating a identity clan/social bonding and binding. Totemism: encapsulates the personalities of the people. A totem is a symbolic representation of a group/larger society: serves the function of holding a group together (like a flag) Totem is a projection of values that society holds close, and the god of a plan, is an encapsulation of the character of the society that holds it as valuable. Feuerbach (inspiration to marx): religion is collective dream/fantasy that works as an antidote to the human condition, intended to leave the oppressive character of existence as we experience it. Suffering as we do through material problems, we project an image of a being that has ultimate power to relieve our suffering and help us in difficult times.
