Emile Durkheim is widely recognized as the man who made sociology a science. As a boy he was fascinated by the scientific approach to society, but at that time there was no social science curriculum. Vowing to change this situation, Durkheim worked diligently to earn his “degree in philosophy in 1882.” (Johnson 34) Unable to immediately change the French school system, Emile went to Germany to continue his studies. It was there that he published his first findings and acquired the knowledge necessary to influence the French education system. Emile Durkheim is a distinguished and experienced man who, through his work, created a platform on which other sociologists could build. On his own, Durkheim contributed a number of elements to the newly founded field. First, in 1893, Durkheim published his first major work, The Division of Labor in Society. (Johnson 51) This book was revolutionary, as it introduced the concept of “anomie,” which is the breakdown of the influence of social norms on individuals within a society. Subsequently, in 1895, he published The Rules of Sociological Method, which was his second major work. This was a manifesto discussing what sociology is and how it should be taught and practiced. He then published his third major work, Suicide: A Study in Sociology. This was a case study that explored the different suicide rates between Protestants and Catholics and argued that greater social control among Catholics results in lower suicide rates. In 1912 Durkheim published his last major work, The Elementary Forms of Religious Life. This book analyzes religion, through the lens of a social phenomenon. Being a pioneer in the field of sociology, Emile Durkheim opened the door for other sociologists to build...... middle of paper......nt. Religion and its necessity are outside the bounds of time and therefore will not “fade away” or become less important. For a Catholic, justice towards God translates into the virtue of religion. Overall, Catholics believe that their God, in his infinite compassion and love, gave them life and therefore it is right to honor him through religion. Regardless of his misalignments with the Catholic faith, Emile Durkheim was a brilliant and innovative thinker, who brought about a change in the way sociology is viewed today. His work, while somewhat dated, laid the foundation for countless other sociologists, philosophers, and revolutionaries. He died on November 15, 1917. Before his death he gained great esteem within the French community. He has held numerous important positions, including becoming Chair of Education and teaching at many illustrious universities.