Weber and Durkheim
At first glance, the writings of Max Weber and Emile Durkheim can be seen as polar opposites. ... Both Durkheim(1972) and Weber(1920) wrote that the evolution of religion came from a change in society. ... In chapter 12 of his Selected Writings Durkheim said: “The religions of Antiquity are, above all, systems of rites, the essential objective of which is to assure the regular working of the universe. ... ” (Durkheim 1972:239) In this opening paragraph of Durkheim’s Secularisation and Rationality he is saying that in the beginning, religion was created as a necessity for survival. ... Durkheim explains this shift in focus as the development of Chrisitianity. ... ” (Durkheim 1972:239) He said. ... ” (Durkheim 1972:240) In this passage Durkheim explains the development of his idea of social morality present in today’s society that was created by Christianity. ... To return back to “free enquiry”, (Durkheim 1972:242) Durkheim also said: “When men, after having long received their faith, ready-made by tradition, claim the right to shape it for themselves – this is not because of the intrinsic desirability of free enquiry, for the latter involves as much sorrow as happiness. ... ” (Durkheim 1972:242) Weber had the same idea when he discussed the split of Protestantism from Catholicism. ... The old gods once again became obsolete, and Protestantism emerged fulfilling the doctrine stated by Durkheim. Catholicism is a religion that demands “blind submission of reason” (Durkheim1972:242) Due to its strict system of beliefs and prescribed set of rites, Weber observed that it was easy for the Protestant to come to be.