Clifford Geertz and Anthropology of Religion

Abstract

Geertz says, Durkheim’s discussion of the nature of the sacred is one of the established traditions and inevitable starting-points for any useful anthropological theory of religion. No doubt, Geertz establishes another tradition. Therefore, I will compare the two traditions and reflect on Geertz’s religious theory and method. Religion has always been the core of anthropological research, based on the above discussion on religious research, then we can also better understand the historical tradition and development of anthropology. In the conclusion of the paper, I reaffirm Geertz’s significance in the religious study and anthropology. To a certain degree, Geertz brings anthropology to a new dimension and stage. Today, there are still plenty of researchers (especially anthropologists) who continue to draw inspiration from Geertz’s ideology to advance the research of religion and anthropology.