Single Idea 7463

[catalogued under 29. Religion / D. Religious Issues / 1. Religious Commitment / a. Religious Belief]

Full Idea

Anthropologist distinguish three requirements for religion: a non-physical soul which can survive death; individuals who can receive supernatural inspiration; and rituals which can cause changes in the present world.

Gist of Idea

The three basic ingredients of religion are: the soul, seers or priests, and ritual

Source

Peter Watson (Ideas [2005], Ch.01)

Book Reference

Watson,Peter: 'Ideas: from fire to Freud' [Phoenix 2006], p.50


A Reaction

The latter two, of course, also imply belief in supernatural powers.