The Threshold of Religion

The Threshold of Religion is a book written by Robert Ranulph Marett, a British anthropologist, and published in 1909. It is a study of the origins and nature of religion, focusing on the concept of the ''threshold'' between the natural and supernatural worlds. Marett argues that religion arises from a sense of awe and wonder at the mysterious and inexplicable aspects of the world, and that this sense of the numinous is the foundation of all religious experience.The book is divided into three parts. The first part explores the idea of the threshold, examining the ways in which different cultures have conceptualized and represented the boundary between the natural and supernatural worlds. Marett draws on examples from a wide range of cultures, including ancient Greece, medieval Europe, and contemporary Africa.The second part of the book focuses on the nature of religious experience, examining the ways in which humans have sought to connect with the divine. Marett argues that religious experience is fundamentally emotional and intuitive, rather than rational or intellectual. He also explores the role of ritual and symbolism in religious practice, and the ways in which these can help to create a sense of connection with the divine.The final part of the book examines the relationship between religion and society, exploring the ways in which religion has shaped human culture and society throughout history. Marett argues that religion has played a crucial role in the development of human civilization, providing a framework for social organization and a sense of meaning and purpose in life.Overall, The Threshold of Religion is a seminal work in the field of anthropology and a classic study of the origins and nature of religion. Marett’s insights into the emotional and intuitive nature of religious experience, as well as the role of ritual and symbolism in religious practice, continue to be influential in the study of religion today.1909. Contents: Pre-Animistic Religion; From Spell to Prayer; Is Taboo a Negative Magic?; The Conception of Mana; and A Sociological View of Comparative Religion.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world’s literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.