CHAPTER XLIX. Duties to Gods (_concluded_)

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.