Being born and raised in a small community has taught me to expand within myself and through others in order to work together to achieve anything. I have always had a great sense of community, whether it is related to volunteer work, or attending various events. I feel that my community has developed into what it is today through family, friends, and church groups.
Of the four men we have studied, my beliefs correlate most with Durkheim’s perception of religion thus far. As quoted in our reading, “Religion is a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to ‘sacred things’ that is to say, things sat apart and forbidden. These practices ‘unite into one moral community and church’”. I also believe a system of beliefs should be based upon ideas or spectrums in our lives that we consider sacred, such as the cross. Without community ethics and support I would not be the person I am today. My small community has taught me to give and serve as if there is no tomorrow.
In order to belong to a Christian church family or denomination, you must have a set of morals and values. Durkheim’s insight of taboo sets certain aspects to be considered “off limits”. The Ten Commandments represent spectrums considered to be “off limits” in my life, such as, not stealing and to not disobey parents and guardians.
While being placed within a church family I have surpassed many milestones in my life, known as practice. Durkheim believes in practices, acknowledges as rites and rituals. Rites are known as a significant happening in one’s life that only occurs once, such as baptism and confirmation. Along with rites, come rituals. Each Christian denomination practices with a set of rituals. In my church rituals would be considered, attending worship on Sunday, holidays, praying, and more. Rituals are any practices one may repeat, opposed to milestones occurring once.
Although the four men studied thus far have extreme beliefs, I find myself drawn to Durkheim’s definition to be the most compatible with my own. Although a disadvantage may be the lack for evolution and change, I wonder why change is necessary. If his definition has remained significant in history this long, maybe an evolution to his beliefs isn’t necessary.