Religion as Unique Culture
One of the great people who give tremendous contribution in developing theories of religion is Evan-Pritchad. Different from previous theory of religion he offers new perspective for understanding of religion. That is religion as construct of hart in Daniel Fals view. He tries to build theory of religions is not merely from analytical method in library, but engaged inward object of research. Therefore, he make long period of research before publish his theory. His book “Theories of primitive religion” (1965), “Wictcraf among Azande” (1973), “Noer religion” (1956) become incumbent book for the student of religious studies.
His approach influences by three streams that is Victorian anthropology, French sociology, and fieldwork anthropology. Fieldwork anthropology emphasizes direct research of a single culture, observing not just religion but also its laws, economic etc. he reject method “if I were a horse” an used method “if I were so and so”. Pritchad approach influenced by Levy-Bruhl and almost similar with eliade, but he have no similar conclusion.
His make observation in Azande and noer people in Sudan. This work became very interesting, because he found some interesting point to build theory that different from previous theories. He chooses Azande and Noer because their society still holds and practices primitive religions. They belief to God, gods, spirit, ghost, and system social and politic based on the magic or myth.
In his observation, he found that although they are live in primitive condition, they cannot accuse as irrational and childish people like Tylor and Frazer assumed. As such, there is nothing wrong, primitive people are normal. They are rational, logical, curious, inquiring, also sophisticated, intelligent, and progressive. Although they believe to magic and mythical ideas, which not meant that they are childish, because they make a sense in act and behavior.
Different religion causes by different cultures. One kind of belief maybe becomes very central in one culture, and contrary that it ordinary for others. it is like different belief from Azande and Noer because they have different social and cultural system. Magic is important for Azande, but not for Noer. Like different respond to ill, perhaps Azande people will say that because of the wictraft, in the other hand Noer will say that is because of human actions.
One plus-value Pritchard is he can make a comprehensive observation. Not all scholars can do that except Eliade. If Eliade arranges huge research in many culture unfolding from India, Asia, and Europe. Pritchard more choose to deepness. Thus, he can interpret difficult doctrine that before seem nothing for western scholars. Appreciating to other cultures as own culture I think is sophisticated. Perhaps he did not bring new ideas about religion, but he has changes opinion many people become more sympathetic to primitive religion, and the other side opens new understanding approach as alternative to the reductionalist approach.[]
