communal intoxication

is the subnormal ability of magicians, wizards, witches and charismatic religious leaders to alter states of consciousness of their followers.

The father of Sociology, Max Weber coined the phrase 'communal intoxication.' Communal intoxication is the subnormal ability of magicians, wizards, witches and charismatic religious leaders. With the God concept at its center, such leaders induce an altered state of consciousness in their followers as demonstrated by the congregants manifestation of intense effusions of excitement and ecstasy. Communal intoxication has a contagious effect where it can spread throughout an audience, infecting those assembled with corresponding sensations of enhanced emotionality and vitality. Keep in mind that most of those who were subjects of Weber's studies included tribal communities on other continents including Africa and the Middle East. His findings suggest that the altered state of consciousness has both a significant appeal and a correlation to a charismatic leader's ability to cause large numbers of people to believe that they have been released from various bondages and that they have 'heard from God.' (net)

communal intoxication, n.All

communal intoxication