The Notion and Specific Features of Religious Symbol in the Religious Studies Conception of E. Durkheim

The article is devoted to the problem of analysis of the sociological concept of Emile Durkheim's religious studies conception. In this regard, we consider the basic function of religion and thus its secondary functions. The value of the symbol and its function structure of the religion have been revealed. It has been concluede that understanding of the sacred symbol as a representative of the sacred phenomenon is one of the important bases in the interpretation of the social and religious processes occurring in the modern information environment.