Summary of The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life, a Study in Religious Sociology

Written by the French sociologist Émile Durkheim, The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life, a Study in Religious Sociology is considered one of the most important works in the sociology of religion. The book examines the earliest known form of religion, totemism, and attempts to trace how it evolved into more structured forms. Durkheim argues that all forms of religion, no matter their level of evolution, originate with the same fundamental elements of collective worship and a shared sense of community. He further explores how modern forms of religion might differ in structure, yet still evoke the same feelings of collective reverence that totemism does. Ultimately, Durkheim's thesis is that religious beliefs and practices are a key factor in the survival and success of any society. His ideas have been influential in the field of sociology and helped to shape the way religious phenomena are studied today.