The origin and development of the moral ideas

CHAPTER XLIX

Chapter 71137 wordsPublic domain

DUTIES TO GODS (_concluded_)

Supernatural beings sensitive to insults and disrespect, p. 639 _sq._--Irreverence to gods punished by men, _ibid._--The names of supernatural beings tabooed, pp. 640-643.--Explanation of these taboos, p. 642 _sq._--Atheism, p. 643 _sq._--Unbelief, pp. 644-646.--Heresy, p. 646 _sq._--Polytheism by nature tolerant, pp. 647-649.--The difference in toleration between monotheistic and polytheistic religions shows itself in their different attitudes towards witchcraft, pp. 649-652.--The highest stage of religion free from intolerance, p. 652 _sq._--Prayer a tribute to the self-regarding pride of the god to whom it is addressed, pp. 653-655.--Prayers connected with offerings, p. 655 _sq._--Magic efficacy ascribed to prayer, pp. 656-659.--Gods demand obedience, p. 659.--The influence of this demand upon the history of morals, p. 659 _sq._--Explanation of the obligatory character attached to men's conduct towards their gods, pp. 660-662.