Topic > The theories of Emile Durkheim and Clifford Geertz and their relationship with religion

Religion is such an important factor in today's world, that over 83% of the world's population believes in a religion and considers themselves religious. To begin with I'm not really a religious person, but if someone asked me what religion means to me I would answer; for me religion realizes things that concern an entire community, but also personal and individual needs. Furthermore, religion is the way the world sees it and the symbols that make up a religion. To support my opinion on religion I chose two well-known theorists, Emilé Durkheim and Clifford Geertz. Their theories and method will help support my definition of religion by connecting it to their theories. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Being sacred, seeing the effects things have, and realizing what is important is what religion is structured around. As we read in the book, "All known religious beliefs, simple or complex, have a common characteristic: they presuppose a classification of all things, real and ideal, into two opposite classes or groups, profane and sacred" (p.103 Emile Durkheim: The Social as Sacred) brings attention to Durkheim's theory of the sacred and the profane. According to Durkheim, for his theory of the sacred versus the profane, he states that "sacred is the realm of important matters, great concerns that influence the life of the entire community", which supports my opinion that when something of great influence an entire community religion will be a great concern that everyone will take seriously. Furthermore, Durkheim stated, “Religion is the system of beliefs and practices relating sacred things in the life of a community,” which supports the important issues affecting a community. Sacred things cannot be touched by the profane and cannot be touched with impunity because it is par excellence. All societies and religions classify things as sacred or profane and, according to Durkheim, the sacred part of a religion is linked to being holy. The sacred is everything that is considered special and, to have a high symbolic value, society demands reverence and awe towards them. Also, anything can be sacred to a religion, not just gods or spirits have to be sacred. In addition to the fact that religion is sacred and has important issues that affect an entire community, it is also important to realize that religion ties into personal needs. Everyone has their own needs that need to be paid attention to when they are religious, no matter what religion they belong to. Durkheim’s profane part of his sacred vs profane theory states that “profane is the realm of personal and private things. The small daily needs of the individual”, which confirms my opinion that everyone has their own needs that must be satisfied. It's important to me that you hold down a job that supports your family and puts food on the table, pay your bills, and deal with life's challenges, like being late for work and not being able to get your morning coffee. Just because you are religious and part of a religious group, doesn't mean you have to be completely devoted to that religion and base your entire life around it. Durkheim said, “The profane is the ordinary, everyday thing that has no sacred or symbolic meaning for a religion.” Therefore, being profane in a religion plays an important role. An online source states, “The layman embraces those ideas, people, practices, and things that are regarded with an everyday attitude of commonality, utility, and familiarity,” which supports my reasoning that having a life beyond.