Which sociologist was perhaps the first to recognize the critical importance of religion in human societies?

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Émile Durkheim was perhaps the first sociologist to recognize the critical importance of religion in human societies. In his classic work "The Elementary Forms of Religious Life," he argued that religion was not just a collection of beliefs and practices, but a fundamental aspect of social life that served to bind individuals together and create a sense of collective identity. He believed that religion played a key role in maintaining social order and regulating behavior, and that it was an essential component of any healthy society.

Which Sociologist Was Perhaps the First to Recognize the Critical