The review by W. T. Beckerson discusses two books: "Christian Creed and Character" by Mr. Thornton and "The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life" by Emile Durkheim, translated by T. W. Swain. 1. **Christian Creed and Character**: - The book is divided into two parts. The first part criticizes modern prophets and advocates of moral revolt, focusing on figures like Nietzsche, Davidson, Shaw, Wells, and Chamberlain. - The second part is more positive, exploring the principles of asceticism and the relationship between the sexes. - The reviewer praises the author's spirit and enthusiasm but notes some areas of disagreement. - The book is recommended for its thoughtful and interesting content. 2. **The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life**: - Durkheim addresses the common criticism that comparative studies of primitive religions reduce high forms of religious thought to low ones. - He argues that primitive religions are not to be depreciated but are responses to the same needs as other religions. - Durkheim identifies Totemism as a fundamental and primitive form of religion, explaining its sacred objects and practices. - He suggests that the totemic emblem represents the collective and anonymous force of the clan, making it both transcendent and immanent. - The book also discusses the origin of sacrifice and the Christian communion, noting that it is inseparable from the myth of the Last Supper. - The reviewer commends Swain for his lucid translation of the technical and erudite work. Overall, the review highlights the strengths and weaknesses of both books, emphasizing the importance of Durkheim's sociological approach to understanding primitive religions.The review by W. T. Beckerson discusses two books: "Christian Creed and Character" by Mr. Thornton and "The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life" by Emile Durkheim, translated by T. W. Swain. 1. **Christian Creed and Character**: - The book is divided into two parts. The first part criticizes modern prophets and advocates of moral revolt, focusing on figures like Nietzsche, Davidson, Shaw, Wells, and Chamberlain. - The second part is more positive, exploring the principles of asceticism and the relationship between the sexes. - The reviewer praises the author's spirit and enthusiasm but notes some areas of disagreement. - The book is recommended for its thoughtful and interesting content. 2. **The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life**: - Durkheim addresses the common criticism that comparative studies of primitive religions reduce high forms of religious thought to low ones. - He argues that primitive religions are not to be depreciated but are responses to the same needs as other religions. - Durkheim identifies Totemism as a fundamental and primitive form of religion, explaining its sacred objects and practices. - He suggests that the totemic emblem represents the collective and anonymous force of the clan, making it both transcendent and immanent. - The book also discusses the origin of sacrifice and the Christian communion, noting that it is inseparable from the myth of the Last Supper. - The reviewer commends Swain for his lucid translation of the technical and erudite work. Overall, the review highlights the strengths and weaknesses of both books, emphasizing the importance of Durkheim's sociological approach to understanding primitive religions.