The Objectification Of Religion: Universal Themes

The Objectification of Religion:
Universal Themes

by Dennis McCallum

This paper is a study in the history of religion. "Objectification" is the religious tendency to reduce abstract principles to tangible, visceral objects and rituals. This tendency, found in all religious complexes, has also been prominent in Christianity, despite explicit prohibitions in the New Testament. The author believes objectification (also known as formalism) remains as one of the greatest stumbling blocks to people considering Christianity today. This paper is the basis for the novel, The Summons (Navpress) by the same author.

Table of Contents:

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Introduction 3
Methodology: Discovering Reasons for Objectivation 4
Theory 1: Unresponsiveness to the Abstract 6
Theory 2: Sacred Space as a Vehicle for Heirophany Stimulation 8
Theory 3: Magical Elements in Objectification 11
Theory 4: The "Corruption of Religion" Theory 16
Theory 5: The "Cognitive Structure" Theory 19
Summary and Conclusions: A Christian Perspective 21
Endnotes
Bibliography i

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