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1. Emile Durkheim and His Importance in the Sociology of Religion
David Emile Durkheim is rightly regarded as a founder of modern sociology and one of the
most important thinkers in the sociology of religion. I agree with scholars like W.S.F.
Pickering who emphasize that Durkheim did not treat religion simply as a system of beliefs
but as a powerful social force that maintains harmony and stability in society. Durkheim laid
the foundation for studying religion not in isolation, but in connection with group behavior,
moral values, and community rituals. He argued that religion reflects the collective life of
society, and by analyzing religious practices, we can understand how society itself functions.
His work continues to influence how we study religion in various cultural contexts, including
India.
2. Durkheim’s Theory of the Sacred and the Profane
Durkheim’s idea of dividing the world into the sacred and the profane is a major contribution
to the sociology of religion. Sacred things, according to him, are not inherently divine or
magical—they become sacred because society gives them special meaning and sets them
apart through rituals and rules. I agree with Durkheim’s view that the sacred represents
collective beliefs and values. Anything can become sacred—an object, a place, a tree—once
society treats it as special. On the other hand, profane things are ordinary and belong to daily
life. Sacred and profane must remain separate, and when they do overlap, people feel
discomfort. This theory is helpful in understanding how religious practices shape people’s
attitudes and behavior, especially in Indian rituals and festivals.
3. How Society Makes Something Sacred
3.1 Sacredness in Festivals and Rituals
I agree with Durkheim’s idea that rituals during festivals create sacredness by uniting people
through shared emotional experiences. In India, during Diwali or Navratri, ordinary items
like lights or food take on sacred meaning through pujas, decorations, and songs. These
collective practices turn the normal into the sacred, expressing the values and unity of the
group. Authors like Arvind Sharma and Tulsi Patel also support this by showing how rituals
during festivals strengthen both faith and family bonds.
3.2 Temples as Sacred Spaces
Temples are a perfect example of Durkheim’s theory. A temple is made sacred not by the
material it is built from, but by the rituals, prayers, and rules that surround it. People take off
their shoes, speak softly, and behave with respect, which shows that society has set apart the
space as sacred. I agree with Durkheim that this sacredness is a result of collective belief, not
of any physical difference.
3.3 Role of Family Rituals
I also agree that family rituals, like weddings or daily puja, turn regular actions into sacred
ones. These rituals help keep families united and pass down important values like respect and
responsibility. Anderson’s research shows that these shared practices act as emotional glue,
and I believe Durkheim was right in saying that rituals build social cohesion and strengthen
moral ties within families.
3.4 Intergenerational Participation
Durkheim believed that elders play a vital role in keeping sacred traditions alive, and I agree.
In Indian families, grandparents often teach children the meaning of rituals and how to
perform them. This helps the younger generation understand their culture and creates a sense
of belonging. As Tulsi Patel shows, these interactions preserve both religious identity and
emotional bonds in the family.
4. Durkheim’s Theory Explains Sacredness in Indian Daily Life
4.1 Building Strong Emotional Bonds
I agree with Durkheim and modern researchers that rituals help build strong emotional bonds
in families. When family members pray together or celebrate festivals, they express love,
care, and unity. Studies show that rituals like Iftar during Ramadan or lighting lamps during
Diwali help families support each other emotionally, especially during hard times.
4.2 Social Agreement Creates Sacredness
In Indian culture, even simple things like a diya or a coconut can become sacred when used in
religious rituals. This supports Durkheim’s idea that sacredness is not natural but comes from
social agreement. The object gains meaning only when the group treats it as special and adds
rituals around it.
4.3 Passing on Culture and Values to the Next Generation
Rituals are also tools for teaching values and culture. Elders explain the meaning of festivals,
guide children in rituals, and tell stories that pass on beliefs. I agree with authors like R.S.
Khare who say that this helps preserve cultural identity and teaches moral lessons like
kindness and respect. Sikh practices like Seva during Langar also teach humility and equality.
4.4 Creating Social Harmony in Families and Communities
I agree with Durkheim that rituals bring not only families but also communities together. In
India, rituals like Raksha Bandhan or community events during weddings create opportunities
for people to meet, forgive, and reconnect. Studies show that religious events can help solve
family conflicts and promote peace, which proves that sacred rituals play a key role in
keeping society united.
4.5 Sacred Time Breaks the Ordinary Flow
Festivals like Eid, Diwali, and Durga Puja mark a break from daily routine and create sacred
time. People wear new clothes, prepare special food, and engage in worship. This is what
Durkheim called “collective effervescence,” a time of shared excitement and joy. I agree that
this helps refresh social bonds and gives life deeper meaning.
4.6 Rules and Respect Define Sacred Space
Temples, mosques, churches, and rivers like the Ganga are sacred because people behave
differently there. Walking barefoot, keeping silence, or dressing modestly are social rules that
show respect. I agree with Durkheim that these rules make the space sacred, and breaking
them would feel like breaking a moral code.
4.7 Adjusting to Modern Life and Staying Together
Even with changes in modern life, I agree that rituals still help families stay connected. In
cities, people may do shorter versions of rituals or join celebrations by video calls. Yet the
emotional and spiritual meaning remains. This shows that rituals are flexible and still
important, just as Durkheim believed.
4.8 Interfaith Families: Problems and Possibilities
I also agree that interfaith families can create new blended rituals that combine traditions
from both sides. While this can lead to conflicts, it also offers a chance to build unique family
identities. With mutual respect and understanding, such families can create inclusive sacred
practices that reflect modern diversity, supporting Durkheim’s idea that religion adapts to
social needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I fully agree with Durkheim and the scholars who support his theory.
Sacredness is not something magical—it is made by society through shared beliefs, rituals,
and emotions. Indian traditions offer many examples of how everyday actions and objects
become sacred through collective participation. These rituals build emotional bonds, teach
values, resolve conflicts, and adapt to modern life. As Durkheim said, religion reflects
society, and through sacred acts, families and communities find unity, strength, and meaning.
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