Religion is Psychological

Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)

Repression

The Unconscious Mind

Divisions of Human Personality

Oedipal Complex

Totemism: Two Taboos

1. Marry outside the clan. (No incest.)

2. Do not kill the totem.

Primal Crime

• Brothers killed and devoured their father

• Community resolves to respect dead father’s laws through taboos

• Civilization begins with these aboos.

Two Functions of Religion

1. Fulfillment of irrepressible wishes

2. Institutionalization of repression

Religion as an Illusion

• Religion is an illusion that maintains civilization.

• Can we get rid of it?

• Replace religion with science.