nonmagical

Updated: May 7, 2025

This conception led to the belief in the possibility of a nonmagical friendly intercourse with the departed, who, it was assumed, would be willing to impart their knowledge to their brethren on earth. Saints have thus been appealed to, and it has been attempted in recent times to enter into communication with departed kin and other friends.

Crawford Howell Toy - Introduction to the History of Religions: Handbooks on the History of Religions, Volume IV

These doubtless have a natural nonmagical basis the necessity of making good crops and protecting private property would be recognized everywhere, and would call forth legal enactments; but it was inevitable, in certain communities, that such enactments should be strengthened by supernatural sanctions such as those offered by the conception of taboo.

Crawford Howell Toy - Introduction to the History of Religions: Handbooks on the History of Religions, Volume IV

+1062+. A priest is a person commissioned by the community or its head to conduct the sacrificial service and related services connected with shrines. He represents a differentiation of functions in an orderly nonmagical religious society. Such an office can arise only under a tolerably well-organized civil government and a fairly well-defined sacrificial ritual.

Crawford Howell Toy - Introduction to the History of Religions: Handbooks on the History of Religions, Volume IV

Nonmagical coercion belongs to a relatively late period in religious history and may be passed over at this point. It is not in itself incompatible with religion; a god is subject to caprice and ill humor, and may have to be controlled, and we know that coercion of the gods has been practiced by many peoples, with the full sanction of the religious authorities.

Crawford Howell Toy - Introduction to the History of Religions: Handbooks on the History of Religions, Volume IV