Chapter XLVII: The Belief in Supernatural Beings

Distinction between "natural" and "supernatural" phenomena, p. 582 _sq._--Supernatural mechanical energy, p. 583 _sq._--Supernatural qualities attributed to the mental constitution of animate beings, especially to their will, p. 584.--The difference between religion and magic, _ibid._--The meaning of the word _religio_, pp. 584-586.--That mystery is the essential characteristic of supernatural beings is testified by language, p. 586 _sq._--This testimony corroborated by facts referring to the nature of such objects or individuals as are most commonly worshipped, pp. 587-593.--Startling events ascribed to the activity of invisible supernatural agents, p. 593 _sq._--The origin of animism, p. 594 _sq._--A mind presupposes a body, p. 595 _sq._--The animist who endows an inanimate object with a soul regards the visible thing itself as its body, p. 596 _sq._--The origin of anthropomorphism, p. 597 _sq._--The difference between men and gods, p. 599. --Materiality at last considered a quality not becoming to a god, pp. 599-601.

{xvii} CHAPTER XLVIII

DUTIES TO GODS

Definition of the term "god," p. 602.--Gods have the rights to life and bodily integrity, pp. 602-604.--Not necessarily considered immortal, p. 602 _sq._--The killing of totemic animals, p. 603 _sq._--Divine animals killed as a religious or magical ceremony, pp. 604-606.--The killing of man-gods or divine kings, pp. 606-610.--The right to bodily integrity granted to gods occasionally suspended, p. 610.--Supernatural beings believed to be subject to human needs, p. 610 _sq._--To require offerings, p. 611 _sq._--Sacrificial gifts offered to supernatural beings with a view to averting evils, pp. 612-614. --With a view to securing positive benefits, pp. 614-616. --Thank-offerings, p. 615 _sq._--Sacrificial victims intended to serve as substitutes for other individuals, whose lives are in danger, pp. 616-618.--Occasionally regarded as messengers, p. 618.--Sacrifices offered for the purpose of transferring curses, pp. 618-624.--The covenant sacrifice, pp. 622-624.--The sacrificial victim or offered article a vehicle for transferring benign virtue to him who offered it or to other persons, p. 624 _sq._--Sacrifice becomes a symbol of humility and reverence, p. 625 _sq._--Sacrifice as a duty, p. 626.--Supernatural beings possess property, and this must not be interfered with, p. 626 _sq._--Sacred objects must not be appropriated for ordinary purposes, p. 627 _sq._--The right of sanctuary, pp. 628-638.--Its prevalence, pp. 628-634.--Explanation of this right, pp. 634-638.

CHAPTER XLIX

DUTIES TO GODS (_concluded_)

Supernatural beings sensitive to insults and disrespect, p. 639 _sq._--Irreverence to gods punished by men, _ibid._--The names of supernatural beings tabooed, pp. 640-643.--Explanation of these taboos, p. 642 _sq._--Atheism, p. 643 _sq._--Unbelief, pp. 644-646.--Heresy, p. 646 _sq._--Polytheism by nature tolerant, pp. 647-649.--The difference in toleration between monotheistic and polytheistic religions shows itself in their different attitudes towards witchcraft, pp. 649-652.--The highest stage of religion free from intolerance, p. 652 _sq._--Prayer a tribute to the self-regarding pride of the god to whom it is addressed, pp. 653-655.--Prayers connected with offerings, p. 655 _sq._--Magic efficacy ascribed to prayer, pp. 656-659.--Gods demand obedience, p. 659.--The influence of this demand upon the history of morals, p. 659 _sq._--Explanation of the obligatory character attached to men's conduct towards their gods, pp. 660-662.