... together. Durkheim suggests that the totem is sacred because it is symbolically representative of the group itself. It stands for the values of the group and by worshipping it people are essentially worshipping the group (society). Totemism is seen by Durkheim as the most elementary form of religion involving rituals and ceremonies around a totem which bring a group together. He states that religion is not a matter of individual belief, it is about collective rituals, ceremonies and worship which have the functions of bringing together and defining the group. Talcott Parsons states that religion gives meaning to life, religion answers questions e.g. why do people suffer, die. Why do villains prosper? Religion tests people's faith and claims if you're bad you will get punished in the afterlife. Parsons also claims that religion sacralises and legitimises core values and norms. It provides core values e.g. Protestantism in the USA ...

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