Emile Durkheim

Paper Summary:

The paper relates that when Durkheim attempted to make society the origin of religion, rather than religion the origin of society, he made himself into a controversial figure. The paper is concerned about the decline in the study of the sociology of religion and asserts that it is difficult to disagree about the relevance of religion in today's world. The paper firmly believes that in order to better understand the dynamics that are taking place both in the U.S. and other countries, it is essential to have a better understanding of the two-way impact between religion and society.

From the Paper:

"In the Elementary Forms of the Religious Life, French sociologist Emile Durkheim studied the totetism of the Australian primitive clans. He recognized the social origin of religion and theorized that religion's purpose was to act as a means of solidarity and identification for societal members. Religion provided a meaning for life and strengthened the moral code and social values that were held in totality by those within a society. Although he considered himself an atheist, Durkheim saw religion as an essential aspect of the social system, in that it provided cohesiveness, social restraint, and meaning, as well as an additional source of relationships and communication and means for people to affirm their social norms."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Christiano, K., Swatos, W. Jr., and Kivisto, P. Sociology of Religion: Contemporary Developments. Walnut Creek, CA: Alta Mira Press, 2002
• Cnaan, R.A. Sociology of Religion: Contemporary Developments: Lanham, MD: AltaMira Press, 2002
• Durkheim, E. Elementary Forms of the Religious Life. New York: Freepress, 1967
• Idinapulos, T.A., and Wilson, B.C. Reappraising Durkheim for the Study and Teaching of Religion Today Boston, MA: Brill, 2001
• Luckmann, T. On Religion in Modern Society: Individual Consciousness, World View, Institution Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion,(1963) 2.2 147-162.

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