Magic And Religion

Simultaneously with kinship, the twin sisters of magic and religion began to operate as the unifying political forces. Primitive man did not understand the forces of Nature and the causes of their operation. He endeavored to control them by magical rites and practices.

This was his religion. In some primitive tribes, the men who knew about magic and medicine, acquired authority over the tribe. They became the forerunners of the tribal chiefs and kings. In other tribes, the men who conducted the religious rites or common worship became the priest-kings.

When religion became more refined, the social bond within the tribe became stronger. Religion became a powerful instrument for inculcating obedience and preserving order. It thus reinforced the cementing effects of kinship.

 

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