2. Theories of the evolution of culture are interwoven with
the study of religion.
Three schools of theory emerged in the 19th century:
1. Myth and ritual
2. Sociological
3. Psychological
4. Bell (2008) lists these genres of ritual action:
1. Rites of passage
2. Calendrical rites
3. Rules of exchange and communication
4. Rites of affliction
5. Feasting, fasting, and festivals
6. Political rites
5. Bell (2008) explains five characteristics of ritual-like
activities:
1. Formalization
2. Traditionalism
3. Invariance
4. Rule-governance
5. Sacral symbolism