The Evolution of Religion: An Anthropological Study

A scholarly publication written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the anthropological aspects of religion, focusing on the development and evolution of religious practices and beliefs across cultures. Identifying the influence of purification rituals and forms of prayer, the book expresses the complexity of human spirituality and religious customs rooted in both primitive societies and advanced civilizations. The opening of the book begins with a preface where Farnell explains his motivations for writing this work, emphasizing his desire to contribute original research to the study of comparative religion. He outlines key areas of focus, such as purification rituals and their ramifications on law and morality, as well as the evolution of prayer from simpler to more sophisticated forms. Farnell acknowledges the complexities of this subject and expresses gratitude to colleagues who have assisted him, thereby framing the book as a work in progress that invites further exploration and discussion in the fields of anthropology and religious studies.