CHAPTER XLVII. The Belief in Supernatural Beings

THE BELIEF IN SUPERNATURAL BEINGS

Distinction between "natural" and "supernatural" phenomena, p. 582 sq.--Supernatural mechanical energy, p. 583 sq.--Supernatural qualities attributed to the mental constitution of animate beings, especially to their will, p. 584.--The difference between religion and magic, ibid.--The meaning of the word religio, pp. 584-586.--That mystery is the essential characteristic of supernatural beings is testified by language, p. 586 sq.--This testimony corroborated by facts referring to the nature of such objects or individuals as are most commonly worshipped, pp. 587-593.--Startling events ascribed to the activity of invisible supernatural agents, p. 593 sq.--The origin of animism, p. 594 sq.--A mind presupposes a body, p. 595 sq.--The animist who endows an inanimate object with a soul regards the visible thing itself as its body, p. 596 sq.--The origin of anthropomorphism, p. 597 sq.--The difference between men and gods, p. 599. --Materiality at last considered a quality not becoming to a god, pp. 599-601.

{xvii} CHAPTER XLVIII

DUTIES TO GODS

Definition of the term "god," p. 602.--Gods have the rights to life and bodily integrity, pp. 602-604.--Not necessarily considered immortal, p. 602 sq.--The killing of totemic animals, p. 603 sq.--Divine animals killed as a religious or magical ceremony, pp. 604-606.--The killing of man-gods or divine kings, pp. 606-610.--The right to bodily integrity granted to gods occasionally suspended, p. 610.--Supernatural beings believed to be subject to human needs, p. 610 sq.--To require offerings, p. 611 sq.--Sacrificial gifts offered to supernatural beings with a view to averting evils, pp. 612-614. --With a view to securing positive benefits, pp. 614-616. --Thank-offerings, p. 615 sq.--Sacrificial victims intended to serve as substitutes for other individuals, whose lives are in danger, pp. 616-618.--Occasionally regarded as messengers, p. 618.--Sacrifices offered for the purpose of transferring curses, pp. 618-624.--The covenant sacrifice, pp. 622-624.--The sacrificial victim or offered article a vehicle for transferring benign virtue to him who offered it or to other persons, p. 624 sq.--Sacrifice becomes a symbol of humility and reverence, p. 625 sq.--Sacrifice as a duty, p. 626.--Supernatural beings possess property, and this must not be interfered with, p. 626 sq.--Sacred objects must not be appropriated for ordinary purposes, p. 627 sq.--The right of sanctuary, pp. 628-638.--Its prevalence, pp. 628-634.--Explanation of this right, pp. 634-638.