A Modern Zoroastrian

by S. Laing

Overview

Excerpt: "...Another development of the belief in spirits is that of fetish-worship, in which superstitious reverence is paid to some stock or stone, tree or animal, in which a mysterious influence is supposed to reside, probably owing to its being the chosen abode of some powerful spirit. This is common among the negro races, and it takes a curious development among many races of American Indians, where the tribe is distinguished by the totem, or badge of some particular animal, such as the bear, the tortoise, or the hare, which is in some way supposed to be the patron spirit of the clan, and often the progenitor from whom they are descended. This idea is so rooted that intermarriage between men and women who have the same totem is prohibited as a sort of incest, and the daughter of a bear-mother must seek for a husband among the sons of the deer or fox. Possibly a vestige of the survival of this idea may be traced in the coat-of-arms of the Sutherland family, and the wild cat may have been the totem of the Clan Chattan, while the oak tree was that of the Clan Quoich, with whom they fought on the Inch of Perth. Be this as it may, it is clearly a most ancient and widespread idea, and prevails from Greenland to Australia; while it evidently formed the oldest element of the prehistoric religion of Egypt, where each separate province had its peculiar sacred animal, worshipped by the populace in one nome, and detested in the neighbouring one."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783965378513
Publisher:	Otbebookpublishing
Publication date:	01/11/2020
Series:	Classics To Go
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	226
File size:	691 KB

About the Author

Samuel Laing (1812-1897) was a multifaceted British author, politician, and railway administrator whose literary contributions and progressive ideas left a lasting impact on Victorian society. Born into a family with strong intellectual roots, Laing was educated at St. John's College, Cambridge, where he developed a keen interest in science, philosophy, and social reform.Laing's career was marked by a series of influential roles, including serving as the Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Chairman of the Brighton Railway. However, it was his literary work that truly set him apart. Laing's writings often explored the intersections of science, religion, and morality, challenging the rigid dogmas of his time. His forward-thinking ideas on evolution, ethics, and human progress resonated with contemporary thinkers and foreshadowed many modern debates on these subjects.Notably, Laing was unafraid of controversy. He openly critiqued established religious doctrines and advocated for a more rational and scientific approach to understanding the world. This bold stance earned him both admiration and criticism, positioning him as a pivotal figure in the intellectual movements of the 19th century.Laing's influence extended to contemporary writers and thinkers, who found inspiration in his fearless questioning of tradition and his vision for a more enlightened society. His legacy is a testament to the power of critical thought and the enduring relevance of questioning the status quo. Samuel Laing remains a fascinating figure for modern readers, embodying the spirit of inquiry and progress that continues to shape our world today.
Samuel Laing, (12 December 1812 – 6 August 1897), was a British railway administrator, politician, and writer on science and religion during the Victorian era.