Duties to Gods ( concluded )

Chapter XLIX

Supernatural beings sensitive to insults and disrespect, p. sq.—Irreverence to gods punished by men, ibid.—The names of supernatural beings tabooed, pp. –643.—Explanation of these taboos, p. sq.—Atheism, p. sq.—Unbelief, pp. –646.—Heresy, p. sq.—Polytheism by nature tolerant, pp. –649.—The difference in toleration between monotheistic and polytheistic religions shows itself in their different attitudes towards witchcraft, pp. –652.—The highest stage of religion free from intolerance, p. sq.—Prayer a tribute to the self-regarding pride of the god to whom it is addressed, pp. –655.—Prayers connected with offerings, p. sq.—Magic efficacy ascribed to prayer, pp. –659.—Gods demand obedience, p. .—The influence of this demand upon the history of morals, p. sq.—Explanation of the obligatory character attached to men’s conduct towards their gods, pp. –662.