Religious beliefs have a social origin from "summary" of The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life, a Study in Religious Sociology by Emile Durkheim
The idea that religious beliefs have a social origin is central to the study of religious sociology. According to Durkheim, religion is not simply a product of individual experiences or personal beliefs, but rather a collective phenomenon that emerges from the interactions and shared experiences of members within a society. In other words, religious beliefs are not solely the result of personal reflection or introspection, but are shaped and influenced by the social context in which individuals are embedded. Durkheim argues that religious beliefs serve to reinforce the social bonds that hold a community together. Through shared rituals, symbols, and practices, members of a society are able to come together and reaffirm their common values and beliefs. In this sense, religion can be seen as a form of social glue that helps to maintain social coh...
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