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Witchcraft

Anthropologists have investigated and discussed religion and society for years. These two elements have been the focus of numerous ethnographies and articles written by a variety of anthropologists. Since Levy-Bruhl and Durkheims statements that religion and society are varied, numerous reports on various cultures throughout the world have shown the close relationship between religion and society. In many cases, religion acts as a social regulator for behavior toward your neighbors. Furthermore, belief in certain religions has been used to improve things such as working conditions. Religion has, in many cases throughout the world, served to guide people on social behavior as well as provide societies with a code of conduct. With the ever-increasing presence of capitalism, which is creating one big monoculture more and more every day, religion still maintains a very important relationship with societies. It helps to explain many of life's questions, as well as helping to define a person's position in life and provides them with guidance. While there have been numerous reports showing this important relationship, the most convincing examples can be found by observing the five elements of Leviticus, spirit possession, witchc


Asen Balicki's report "Shamanistic Behavior Among the Netsilik Eskimos" is an excellent example of how the Eskimos belief in shamans and spirit possession has had an effect on their society. Shamans are people who claim they can be possessed by spirits and in Eskimo life, they have the ability to manipulate the social life of the people. One of the aspects of social life that the shaman can manipulate is the environment. When there is no game and hunters are having a hard time finding food, shaman's can find out the location of game with the help of his spirits. A shaman and his helping spirits (tunraq) would direct game towards the hunters. Furthermore, the shamans could also control the weather, which is done to aid the hunters in finding game and travelers who will be going for long distances. Shamans also help their society by aiding in individual and group crisis that usually results from a breach of taboo, which angers the spirits and usually results in someone getting sick. An individual who gets sick is a group crisis because, for example, if the father becomes ill, no one will be available to hunt for game except for the mother. If she leaves no one will be around to cook and sew. Every person in this society has an integral role in the smooth operation of day-to-day activities.

One of the best, and also contemporary examples of religion relating to society is millenarianism. In Eric J. Hobsbawm's article "Millenarianism" he explains this concept as the true followers of Christianity who expect the return of Jesus Christ. Upon his return, all of his "children" will live in a perfect society for 1'000 years of bliss, while the rest of the population dies off. One of the main characteristics of modern revolutionary movements as explained by Hobsbawm is specific and direct social change. These movements have definite plans as to the course of action regarding societal structure upon the return of Christ. Furthermore, believers in millenarianism also critique the existing world and will change their habits in society in prediction of Christ's return. This was the case in Sicily, where followers refused to marry until the new world has been established. Millenarianism, clearly displays the strong relationship that exists between religion and society.

Azande may create a high level of tension between people for fear of being a victim of witchcraft, it also helps to level social relations ensuring that everyone in the community is treated well since cooperation is so important in their society.

raft or sorcery, millenarianism, and rites of passage.

Finally, we turn to Victor Turner's article "Betwixt and Between: The Liminal Period in Rites de Passage" for the last example showing the relationship between religion and society. In his article, Turner describes rites of passage as incorporating not just "important times of birth, puberty, marriage, and death" but any defining moment where a transition occurs in ones life. This transition is explained as the liminal stage where in indigenous tribes, one is removed from society or given masks to disguise them. Turner uses the example of the Omaha Indians to display how the passing through this liminal stage helps to define a man or woman in society. The O

Some common words found in the essay are:
Netsilik Eskimos, Omaha Indians, Spirits Resistance, Witches Enemies, Levy-Bruhl Durkheims, Arnhem Australia, Despite Eastwell, Leviticus Theft, Period Rites, Jesus Christ, spirit possession, religion society, relationship religion society, religious beliefs, social life, relationship religion, numerous reports, rites passage, position society, throughout world, witchcraft sorcery, aspect social life, millenarianism rites passage, sorcery millenarianism rites, social life shaman,
Approximate Word count = 2198
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)


  

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