Auguste Comte's theory of religion
Résumé
Auguste Comte's (1798–1857) theory of religion is one of the most controversial aspects of his philosophy but also one which most appeals to contemporary readers. Its two most characteristic features are: religion must get rid of God; and religion is a social fact, closely connected with the existence of a spiritual power.
Positivist religion is not a religion of science. It is the religion of humanity, to which its three components – doctrine, worship and regime – are related: “Our thoughts will be devoted to the knowledge of Humanity, our affections to her love, our actions to her service.” Comte came to put much emphasis on worshipping. The best-known aspect of positivist religion, namely the calendar of great men, belongs to the public worship, which is essentially a system of commemoration.