Abstract
IN the second series of his lectures on the Gifford foundation delivered in 1932–33, Dr. Marett studies the function of the sacrament in natural religion, that is, as he understands it, in the religion of primitive peoples. A sacrament is defined as “any rite which by way of sanction or positive blessing invests a natural function with a supernatural authority of its own”. This definition is tested in the course of the lectures by the study of particular instances among the diverse activities of savage life. Ritual, instead of a deadening, is shown to be a vitalising force, bringing emotion to the support of reason in promoting right action, these terms in this context, naturally, being used in a relative sense.
Sacraments of Simple Folk.
By R. R. Marett. Pp. vii + 230. (Oxford: Clarendon Press; London: Oxford University Press, 1933.) 10s. net.
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Sacraments of Simple Folk. Nature 133, 85 (1934). https://doi.org/10.1038/133085b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/133085b0