BLOCK 1

The question of the origin of religion, perhaps, is as old as the question of the origin of human
itself. The human mind by its very nature is reflective, no matter how undeveloped it might be.
In the cultures of India and Greece matters of religion have been well-debated since the
beginning of their history. The Upanishads and other literatures testify to this fact. Although a
philosophical discussion on this notion is a later one, religion had its place in human life in its
primitive and unorganized form. Etymologically, the word ‘religion’ is derived from the Latin
root religare and it means ‘to bind fast’. Then ‘religion’ has certainly a strong emphasis on
community aspect. It is something that binds fast the members of religion together. But a general
definition, which is accepted by all, is very difficult and involves a series of problems. Religion
as a whole is looked at from various angles like: Historical, Psychological, Sociological, Ethical
and Aesthetical perspectives.

This block, consisting of four units, will deliberate on the nature, the definition of religion and
the theories that are put forward for the origin of religion.

Unit 1 studies the Meaning and Nature of Religion. The question of religion is a very complex
one. Hence in this unit we will be looking at the etymological meaning and then at different
meanings that are connoted by the term religion. The various stages of the development of
religion are discussed.

Unit 2 studies the Problem of Defining Religion. Religion in recent times is undergoing change
in its definition and meaning and therefore it is difficult to define it. This unit will look at some
of the scholarly definitions put forward by theologians, sociologists, philosophers,
Anthropologists and psychologists. Finally, we perceive the various paradoxes, complexities or
problems that are involved in the definitions

Unit 3 looks at some of the Theories of the Origin of Religion from the secular world. This unit
looks at the views given by Ernst Haeckel, anthropological origin of religion of Edward Burnett
Tylor, James George Frazer and Salomon Reinach, views of Sigmund Freud and James Henry
Leuba on religion and sociologist Emile Durkheim.

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Unit 4 familiarizes us with the Theories of the Origin of Religion from the point of view of
growing religious consciousness. Despite secularism that has influenced many people religious
thought continues to be vigorous. In this unit we will know the growth of religious consciousness
in the primitive age, the experience of the Holy and certain critical views.

The understanding and meaning of religion is a complex task faced by many scholars even to this
day. But the phenomena continue to hover over most people. The ambiguity and plurality of
views proposed on the origin of religion makes religion a much more complex phenomena.