Emile Durkheim’s theory of religion explains that religion and society are indivisible (Pals, 2006). In his book, The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life, Durkheim explores how religion functions in a society (Guppy, 2013). Additionally, Durkheim explains that religion holds society together (Pals, 2006). Durkheim makes an effort to explain how religion creates solidarity among people. Furthermore, he ensures not to mention God in his definition of religion, “A religion is a unifed system of beliefs and pratices related to sacred things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden – beliefs and practices which unite into one single moral community called a Church, all those who adhere to them.” Moreover, Durkheim shares that those who are religious divide their practices into two categories, the sacred and the profane (Pal, 2006).  

Athough Durkheim never used the words "civil religion" it was edviated through his writing that he believed that society was was moving towards civil religion (Wallace, 1977). Durkheim explained that he believed that "God" was going to be replaced by civil religion (Wallace, 1977).  Furthermore, Durkheim saw patriotism in modern society (Wallace, 1977). Durkheim thoery also explains, totemism, a symbol that defines society and organizes people politically, culturally, and in terms of “civil” religion (Wallace, 1977).