For the same reason “Magic is now, and for a long time has been regarded with some moral reprobation…”. In religion, emphasis is laid on the subjective attitude of the participants. It includes various aspects such as myths relating to the origin of man and his major institutions, accounts of gods and their power, elaborate rituals, ceremonies, etc. In magic, the facts are not used to test the theory as in science. Tylor and J. G. Frazer both conducted research into the separate nature of the two belief systems and came to the general conclusion that ‘magic was not a false religion, but a different sort of activity altogether’ (REF1) and was in many ways seen to be in direct conflict with religion. Magic unscientifically believes that some effect is produced because of the mystical power associated with the spell, rite or object. ‘One important aspect of religion is helping believers to come to know the unknown’, (REF17) an aspect which is exhibited in Azande witchcraft beliefs through the use of Oracles and Witchdoctors to uncover the truth about the origin of the curse and what implications it will have on those who are subject to it. Similarly, magic to ensure victory in war is ‘white’ even though it may harm the enemy. The emotional aspect of religion and magic is another component which is common of such belief systems. Example: If an individual wants rainfall to take place, he may fill his mouth with water and squirt it around in different directions. 10MONDAY2020 can only be used on orders that are under 14 days delivery. The promotion is valid for either 10% or 15% off any service. This displays a positive aspect of the two systems that is common and so clouds any set distinction between the two. Hence members of the group fear black magic. ([596] 963). Both create a symbolic environment. In modern, westernised societies, religion would not provide a legitimate excuse for committing such crimes and the same attitude is displayed in the Azande tribe who would reject any claims of witchcraft having caused someone to commit acts which were considered to go against moral guidelines. Science is tentative and partial and it cannot give the confidence in the way in which magic gives. Both give importance to rituals. Free resources to assist you with your university studies! Thus it cannot be transmitted, except possibly by heredity. One of the key similarities between the two belief systems is their importance to the functioning of the society in which they are held. These two principles can be considered the same as both are based upon a real and firm faith in the order and uniformity of nature; this cannot be said of religion as its systems differ across countries and historical periods whereas magic remains constant. Rather, the proper performance of a ritual simply increases the likelihood of a desired result coming to pass. As H.M. Johnson has pointed out “when the goal of action is empirical and the means are supernatural, we call the action magic.”, 2. We've received widespread press coverage since 2003, Your UKEssays purchase is secure and we're rated 4.4/5 on reviews.co.uk. Similarly, to finish off an enemy, a wax or wooden image of him may be made and pierced with a needle or chisel, (ii) Magic by Contagion is based on the belief that whatever would come into contact with the supernatural power, will be swayed by it. No plagiarism, guaranteed! During the World War II the pilots used to carry in their planes some animals, articles of clothing, mystic numbers, etc., that were believed to give them luck. Depending on the society in question, religion is often also excluded and not taken as acceptable reasoning for breaches or law or morals such as in the case of sacrifices or honour killings (REF10). This may provide comfort to the family of the deceased that everyone involved had done everything they could to help the individual recover but it was the work of a force outside of human control that was responsible for the outcome, not human error or neglect. White magic is perhaps most commonly practised in fields such as agriculture, hunting, warfare, and health. Because, unlike science, magic relies on supernatural causation. Magic is often regarded as a form of religion. Disclaimer Copyright. A magical behaviour is mostly a commercial transaction in which trickery and deceit become possible. This website includes study notes, research papers, essays, articles and other allied information submitted by visitors like YOU. Therefore, when viewed as a provider of emotional comfort, both religion and magic fulfil the same function and so dismiss the idea of a fixed boundary existing between them. Study for free with our range of university lectures! Essay on Relationship Between Religion and Magic – The phenomenon of magic is closely associated with religion. (REF2) The Church’s involvement in the prosecution of those believed to possess magic has changed over time due to public pressure and demand to take action. In spite of these analogies, magic is in many ways the opposite of science. In such cases it is carried out in secret. But religion establishes a bond between man and God, and such a bond is absent in magic. Closely related to magic is religious ritual, such as prayer. Both Tylor and Frazer ‘viewed magic and religion in primitive societies as beliefs and practices that attempted to interpret the world rationally and achieve worldly goals’. All three systems of belief provide members of the society with a natural philosophy which helps to explain both the positive and negative events that take place in their lives and offer a way of reacting to them. Magic and Religion Most cultures of the world have religious beliefs that supernatural powers can be compelled, or at least influenced, to act in certain ways for good or evil purposes by using ritual formulas. As briefly mentioned earlier, witchcraft and religion both possess a similar level of emphasis on maintaining a high moral standard within society, at least in some cases. Welcome to Shareyouressays.com! Evans-Pritchard found that for the Azande, witchcraft provides a social structure similar to that of the Church, with oracles and witchdoctors possessing different qualities and powers which denote their different ranks within the community. According to Frazer, witchcraft provides an explanation for the outcome of a series of events which otherwise cannot be explained (REF13) and this can be associated to religion and it’s tendency to explain otherwise unexplainable events as a part of a larger divine plan or the result of bad actions committed in a previous life. Black magic consists of sorcery and witchcraft. Religion, according to seminal anthropologist Sir Edward Burnett Tylor (1832–1917), involves a direct, personal relationship between humans and spiritual forces; in religion’s highest form, that relationship is with a personal, conscious omnipotent spiritual being. This method of ordering society is an important factor which helps to blend religion and magic together and so make it harder to define a fixed boundary between them. Most of the magical spells are spoken in normal, matter-of-fact voices. This is then followed by religion which develops as a product of the failings of magic and the resulting realisation that control over nature was not possessed by humans and so there must exist external forces or beings which occupy such control. From simple essay plans, through to full dissertations, you can guarantee we have a service perfectly matched to your needs. Through magic they try to express their strong wishes symbolically and renew their confidence. Belief in witchcraft, such as that displayed by the Azande, in no way contradicts empirical knowledge of cause and effect; the Azande were still scientific in their understanding of the way nature operated and used witchcraft to explain that which could not otherwise be explained, a role often fulfilled by religion in modern society. Frazer uses this as evidence for the truth of science and the attempts made by magic to reach the same conclusions, but also to dismiss religion as incorrect and irrational. Privacy Policy3. Additionally, science cannot offer the answers to all questions posed about the nature of human life and reason for our existence and so many turn to religion. Disclaimer: This work has been submitted by a university student. This is not an example of the work produced by our Essay Writing Service. The magic implies that a definite end is being pursued. In addition, as witchcraft would not act as a legitimate excuse for committing such sins as adultery or murder, it maintains that such acts are wrong and are a matter of personal choice and therefore the individual is held personally accountable. If a magician wants a medicine to bring the immediate effect of a cure, he says so. Frazer describes magic as a primitive form of technology through which believers would attempt to explain or affect nature through objects considered to have either a contagious or sympathetic link to each other. The particular kind of supernaturalism required: Religion brings into play the entire supernatural world with all its creatures capable of responding to human wishes and sorrows. Content Guidelines 2. Both Frazer and Evans-Pritchard also saw a basic connection between the two systems and suggested that they acted as separate strains of human reason, which remains the same globally, but is expressed differently according to culture and also varies over time.
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