Who defined religion as a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things?

The definition of religion as a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things is attributed to Émile Durkheim, a foundational sociologist. Durkheim viewed religion as a social phenomenon that plays a crucial role in integrating society and establishing shared moral values among its members. His approach emphasized the collective aspects of religion, suggesting that it functions to bind individuals together, creating a community around shared sacred experiences.

Durkheim's work highlights the importance of distinguishing between the sacred and the profane, asserting that religions provide a framework for understanding the universe and our place within it. He studied religious practices among various cultures to demonstrate how they serve societal needs and contribute to social cohesion, making them essential for the functioning of society as a whole.

While other figures like William James explored the personal, psychological aspects of religion, and Paul Tillich and Karl Marx approached the subject from philosophical and critical perspectives, it is Durkheim's sociological lens that specifically frames religion as a structured system involving collective beliefs and practices focused on the sacred.