Also it involves some sort of conventional doctrine, which is, as it were, the inner side of the ritual--its lining.
Now in what follows I shall insist, in the first instance, on this sociological side of religion.

For anthropological purposes it is the sounder plan.

We must altogether eschew that "Robinson Crusoe method" which consists in reconstructing the creed of a solitary savage, who is supposed to evolve his religion out of his inner consciousness: "The mountain frowns, therefore it is alive"; "I move about in my dreams whilst my body lies still, therefore I have a soul," and so on.

No doubt somebody had to think these things, for they are thoughts.

But he did not think them, at any rate did not think them out, alone.