I really got excited about Durkheim's theories on religion as a purely social phenomenon. I was ready to become a devout follower of his ideas until reading that he never even set foot in Australia! This fact forced me to re-read Durkheim in Pals book with a little more skepticism. As I wrote in the ilearn forum, it seems to me that religion has grown into a purely religious phenomenon not necessarily out of it. In the earliest days of humanity, religion was science. So to say that their way to explain the natural world was purely social is like saying that today's science is purely social. I think religion then, as today, has at least a dual purpose. It is both a social binding and a way for individuals to come to terms with the world.

James

"‘Religion’ means the feelings, acts, and experiences of individuals men in their solitude, so far as they apprehend themselves to stand in relation to whatever they may consider the divine."

-William James

Of all the theorists that we have covered thus far, James' viewpoint rings the most true to me. I have always felt some reluctance in prescribing to any organized religion. This is due in part to my Catholic upbringing. Though my father was not a "strict" practicioner, I was aware of the belief that there is "NO salvation outside the Catholic church." This idea was always in the back of my mind as my mother was a practicing Protestant! As a young child I was deeply concered about the fate of her soul, and as I grew older I rejected the Catholic dogma. It was replaced by my feeling that if whatever belief system you follow helps you to be a better person then so be it. Reading James has help reaffirm my stance, and he has even helped me to reopen my mind toward followers of organized religion.

Freud

Was "Illusion" written during Feued's cocaine period? I really like the concepts, and for a philosophy reading, it is succinct, but I could't help but be annoyed at his grandiosity. His technique of providing both sides of the argument reminded me very much of being stuck in a conversation at a party with the guy who has just exited the bathroom after "powdering" his nose.

My 1st attempt!

O.K. people let's start bloggin'. I am fascinated with the diversity of belief systems across the planet, but I have a really tough time keeping them all straight. I find this site and those like it a useful and easy way to take a look at the big picture.

http://www.religionfacts.com/big_religion_chart.htm

Speaking today in class of hermeneutics, I was inspired to seek "Just the facts on the world's religions." Take a look and let me know what you think?