Religious beliefs are expressions of collective consciousness from "summary" of The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life, a Study in Religious Sociology by Emile Durkheim
Religious beliefs are not individual creations, but rather products of the collective consciousness shared by members of a society. According to Durkheim, religious beliefs serve as a reflection of the collective values, norms, and ideals that bind individuals together within a social group. These beliefs are not arbitrary or personal, but are shaped by the collective experiences and perspectives of a community. In essence, religious beliefs are a manifestation of the shared consciousness that exists within a society. This collective consciousness is what gives rise to the rituals, symbols, and practices that form the basis of religious life. Through these shared beliefs and practices, individuals are able to connect with one another and reaffirm their common identity as members of a particular socia...
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