Well, since the man can no longer ascend to manhood in the tribe through
the death of an enemy, or the kill of a boar, (or the woman to a simple
womanhood through begetting children with this warrior), the rituals of
inclusion and acceptance turn more to the ornamental cultural trappings of
the tribe. The tools of power are the power.
I have always contended that religion, as a construct of the shaman, is
such a tool, with many congruences to political power.
The single most important tenet of the founding fathers of this our humble
republic was the official separation of state and faith. 'Tis pity even our
legal tender has forgotten this declaration of independence.
Now- how's that for a tangent?
=====================================================
Wade T. Smith | "There ain't nuthin' you
morbius@us1.channel1.com | shouldn't do to a god."
****** http://www.channel1.com/users/morbius/ *******