The Origin of Religion: A Survival Mechanism Against the Unknown
Historically, countless human beings have found solace and explanation in religions. However, the question of why humans invented and continue to practice religion remains profound. This article delves into the origin of religion, examining its evolution and the potential benefits it offers to humans.
The Evolution of Religious Beliefs
The origins of religion can be traced back to ancient times. Mark Twain remarked, 'But satire aside, let's get into this.' The development of religious beliefs followed a step-by-step process: from Animism to Shamanism, then to Paganism, and finally to Monotheism and Polytheism. Each step was shaped by cultural and societal preferences.
Animism involved the attribution of spiritual or supernatural qualities to objects, events, and natural phenomena. As time progressed, these animistic beliefs evolved into Shamanism, which entailed the veneration of spiritual leaders who communicated or attempted to mediate between the spirit world and the human world. The next stage was Paganism, a more structured and organized belief system often centered around the worship of multiple deities, each representing different natural elements or forces.
The Why of Religion: Coping with the Absurdity of Death
While the evolution of religious beliefs is fascinating, one crucial question remains: why do humans need religion? According to psychological and philosophical theories, religion serves as a coping mechanism for the human condition, particularly in the face of what is perhaps the greatest unknown: death. Death confounds men, and across various cultures, religions have emerged as a way to address one's existential dread through the belief in an afterlife.
Religion provides assurance that life does not end with death. Most belief systems include the idea of an afterlife, where the soul continues to exist and is judged based on one’s deeds during life. This belief system often includes these "Judgment Days," where messiahs, gods, or other divine entities promise to help and redeem the righteous, while punishing the wicked. For instance, in Christianity, the "Second Coming of Christ" promises eternal bliss for the virtuous and eternal damnation for the sinners. In Islam, "Yawm-al Qiyamah" foresees a day of judgment, where souls are sent to either Jannat or Jahannum, heaven or hell, respectively.
Symbolic Systems and Continuity
Religion, therefore, acts as a symbolic system to deny the inevitable end of all life forms. This sense of continuity is crucial for human psychological well-being, as it provides an illusion of permanence in a world of impermanence. Many other symbolic systems—such as government, ethnicity, national identity, gender identity, professional hierarchies, and more—serve similar functions, helping humans cope with the fear of death by immaterially extending their existence.
The importance of these symbolic systems is underscored by the profound insight of Don DeLillo, who stated, "'The nature of all plots is that they move deathwards.' By building these symbolic systems, humans try to counteract the absurdity of death. Atheists, who deconstruct these systems and see the delusions for what they are, represent one side of the spectrum, while the religious, who find solace in these delusions, represent the other. Some may choose alternative coping mechanisms, finding meaning in work, hobbies, or personal beliefs.
The Future of Religion
While the data suggests that the number of atheists is growing, religion is unlikely to fade away. It remains a powerful force, adapting to the changing times while offering comfort and direction to many individuals. In conclusion, the origin and continuation of religion are deeply intertwined with human nature and the need to cope with the existential threat of death.
We invite you to read more on the topic and explore the enduring relevance of religion in our lives.