Origins of Religion “The assurance of salvation: Once saved, always
saved.” 1 John 5:13
Revelation- According to most religions, this is how it began. A God revealed himself and his will to Man. 3. Conflict theory by Karl Marx Example: God calls Abraham to be the father of a great nation Marx believed that religion teaches people to accept their (Abrahamic religions) current condition in life, no matter how bad, while postponing rewards and happiness to some afterlife. Anthropological Theories Religion diverts people's attention away from injustices with the belief that rewards are yet to come. 1. Animistic Theories Example: Primitive people believed in souls or anima found in people “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the (seen in dreams) and in all of nature. They had to pray to kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for these spirits, offer sacrifices, appease or avoid them. you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” Luke 6:20-21 2. Nature Worship Theory Human beings first developed their religions from their observations of the forces of nature. They personalize them by giving them names, describing their activities with tales, then transforming them into mythology. Sociological Theories (Religion is influenced by location and culture, and not because of a fundamental truth) 1. Functionalism by Emile Durkheim Religion exists to perform a function in the society. It influenced the thinking and behavior of the members of society. Religion is the glue that holds society together. Example: People view “sacred objects” (cross, rosary, Bible, etc.) with a sense of reverence compared to daily objects. Simbang Gabi has become an integral part of our culture in celebration of Christmas (a Christian holiday).
2. Social Change by Max Weber
This theory is only directed towards Christianity. Weber examined the impact of Christianity on Western thinking and culture. Christianity was a “salvation religion” that claims people can be “saved” when they convert to certain beliefs and moral codes. Example: