Basic Forms of Religious LifeChapter 1: Introduction1.1 Universality of Religious Phenomena - Definition: Religion is a system of beliefs and rituals. - Fact: All known communities exhibit religious phenomena. - Question: How did religion arise and what is its sociological function? 1.2 Relationship between Religion and Society - Assumption: Religion originates from society and is part of social life. - Method: Understand the nature of religion by studying the simplest social form. Chapter 2: Religious Beliefs and Moral Practices2.1 Definition of Religious Beliefs - Components: Sacred things, beliefs and ritual practices. - Core Characteristics: The opposition between the sacred and the secular. 2.2 Classification of Religious Rituals - Negative Worship: Behaviors that avoid direct contact with the sacred, such as fasting, silence, etc. - Active Worship: Behaviors that aim to influence the sacred, such as sacrifices, prayers, etc. 2.3 Relationship between Religion and Morality - Origin of Morality: Religion provides a framework and norms for moral behavior for society and individuals. - Religious sanctions: The reward and punishment mechanism in religious beliefs strengthens moral behavior. Chapter 3: Totem System3.1 Totem as a symbol- Definition: Totem is a sacred symbol of a group, usually an animal, plant or inanimate object. - Symbolic meaning: Totem represents the unity and identity of the group. 3.2 Forms of totem worship- Taboo: Protection and respect for totem objects, prohibition of harm and use. - Sacrifice: Regularly held rituals, offering food, blood, etc. to the totem. 3.3 Social functions of the totem system- Consolidation of the group: Totem strengthens the internal cohesion of the group. - Social order: Through the worship of totems, social structure and social order are maintained. Chapter 4: Witchcraft and Religion4.1 Definition of witchcraft- Behavior: Unproven supernatural behavior aimed at influencing the world. - Purpose: Change natural processes or personal destiny. 4.2 The difference between witchcraft and religion - Theoretical basis: religion is based on faith, while witchcraft is based on false beliefs or irrational fears. - Social function: witchcraft is more of an individual rather than a collective behavior, while religion emphasizes the organization of groups and society. 4.3 The transformation from witchcraft to religion - Development stage: From individual witchcraft to collective religion, it is the rise of social complexity and consciousness. Chapter 5: Conclusion 5.1 Religion as a social fact - Universality: Religion is ubiquitous in all societies, indicating its profound necessity. - Functionality: Religion meets the multifaceted needs of society and individuals, such as strengthening social cohesion and providing meaning and direction in life. 5.2 The social origin of religion - Root: Religion originates from the collective expression of social life and is a symbolic system formed by society itself.

From The Elementary Forms of Religious Life, I have selected the following sentences or paragraphs that are profound, unique in perspective, beautiful in language, or full of wisdom. Considering that you want to output them in the manner of numbers 1, 2, and 3, I have divided them into three parts, each containing several sentences or paragraphs. Part 1: 1. "Religion is a social phenomenon. It is part of social life, and it is the most basic, profound and lasting part." 2. "The power of religion comes from its sacredness. This sacredness does not come from supernatural or superhuman entities, but from the collective consciousness and common beliefs of society." 3. "Durkheim believes that religion is not an accidental fantasy of individuals, but an inevitable product of society. It reflects the structure, order and values of society." 4. "In Durkheim's eyes, religion is not only a system of belief, but also a force of social action. It can inspire people's moral emotions and consolidate social unity." 5. "Religious rituals are not only worship and awe of gods, but also an important way for social members to communicate with each other and confirm their identities." Part 2: 6. "Through his study of primitive religion, Durkheim revealed the close relationship between religion and social structure. He believed that religion is a reflection and epitome of social life." 7. "Religion is not an isolated existence. It is embedded in all aspects of social life, affecting people's way of thinking, behavioral norms and values." 8. "The binary opposition between the sacred and the secular is one of the basic characteristics of religion. This opposition is not only reflected in faith, but also in social structure and daily life." 9. "Durkheim emphasized that the function of religion is to maintain social order and moral system. Through the power of religion, society can maintain stability and continuity." 10. "Religious belief is not a personal matter, but a part of social public affairs. It is related to social harmony and stability." Part 3: 11. "Durkheim's religious theory not only reveals the nature and function of religion, but also provides a unique perspective for understanding the relationship between religion and society." 12. "In Durkheim's view, the change of religion is closely linked to the change of society. The two influence and shape each other." 13. "Religion is both a product of society and a creator of society. It constantly shapes and influences social structure and culture through faith and rituals." 14. "Durkheim's research on religion is full of profound insights and humanistic care. He not only pays attention to the theoretical level of religion, but also pays more attention to the role and influence of religion in real life." 15. "The Elementary Forms of Religious Life is not only a classic in the study of religious studies, but also an important document in the field of social sciences. It has a profound impact on understanding the relationship between religion and society." For the remaining 5 wonderful sentences or paragraphs, considering the richness and depth of the content, I will further expand on the basis of the above three themes: Part 1 (expansion): 16. "Durkheim believes that religion is the bond of social unity. It closely connects individuals through common beliefs and rituals, forming a strong social cohesion." Part 2 (expansion): 17. "In Durkheim's theory, religion is not only a belief system, but also a symbol and expression of social order. It strengthens social norms and values through sanctification processes and ritualized behaviors." Part 3 (expansion): 18. "Durkheim's research on religious life reveals the important position and role of religion in human society. He believes that religion is one of the basic components of human society and is of great significance for understanding and explaining human society." 19. "The views in The Elementary Forms of Religious Life still have important implications for contemporary society. It reminds us to pay attention to the function and influence of religion in society, and also provides us with a new perspective to think about the relationship between religion and society." 20. "Durkheim's thoughts are profound and unique. His research on religious life not only reveals the nature and significance of religion, but also provides us with important ideological resources and theoretical tools for understanding human society."

Émile Durkheim (1858-1917) was a famous French sociologist, philosopher and educator, and is known as one of the founders of modern sociology.< His book The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life is a classic in the field of sociology and religious studies, and has had a profound impact on later generations.

Personal Basic Information Émile Durkheim was born in Epinal, Upper Alsace, France.

Education and Career Background Durkheim was educated at the University of Bordeaux and later continued his studies at the École Normale Supérieure in Paris.

Writing Career Durkheim had a very rich writing career.

His other important works include Le suicide and L'Éducation morale.<

Style and themes of works Durkheim's works are rigorous and logically clear.

His themes are mostly centered around social structures, moral norms, religious beliefs and other social phenomena.< In The Elementary Forms of Religious Life, he explored how religious beliefs affect social cohesion and individual behavior.

Personal life Durkheim's personal life was relatively low-key.

His marriage and family life did not attract much attention in the public eye.<

Social influence Durkheim's sociological theory had a profound impact on social science research in the 20th century.

His concepts of social cohesion, collective consciousness and social facts are still widely discussed and applied.<

Quotes and evaluations Durkheim's evaluations by authoritative media and experts are generally positive.

For example, the New York Times once described him as a "giant of sociology", while sociologist Talcott Parsons believed that Durkheim was "the true founder of modern sociology.< " ### Latest News Although Durkheim himself has passed away, his academic legacy continues to influence the study of sociology and religion.

In recent years, scholars are still exploring the application of his theories in contemporary society and his insights into modern social problems.< In general, Emile Durkheim is a scholar who has had a profound impact on modern sociology and religion, and his works and theories are still widely studied and discussed.