"Theories of Primitive Religion" - Summary

Primitive religions have been the subject of much theorizing and speculation by scholars seeking to explain their origin and nature. Early theories saw religion originating in fetishism or nature myths, with natural phenomena like the sun being personified as gods. These intellectualist theories were replaced by animistic theories, which held that religion emerged from early humans' attempts to make sense of puzzling phenomena like dreams and death by positing spirits or souls. The ghost theory argued that ancestor worship led to belief in powerful ghosts that became gods. The soul theory saw religion arising from theories about human souls and spirits that animated nature.

These intellectualist theories assumed primitive humans were essentially rational. But they were criticized as overly simplistic. The emotionalist theory argued religion sprang from strong emotions like awe and fear of the unknown. Rituals served to assuage anxiety and gain control over threatening forces. But this theory was also criticized as one-sided for neglecting the intellectual side of religion.

Sociological theories then emerged, arguing religion served social functions like promoting group solidarity. The intellectualist and emotionalist theories came to be seen as complementary, each explaining different aspects of religion. Debates continued about whether religion originated in ideas or feelings, but most came to recognize it had multiple sources and functions. Theories evolved from unitary explanations to more nuanced understandings, but much about the origin and nature of religion remains conjectural and uncertain.