Durkheim defines religion as a collective thing:A religion is a unified system of beliefs and

practices relative to sacred things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden – beliefs and
practices which unite into one single moral community called a Church, all those who
adhere to them.
Edward Burnett Tylor defined religion as “the belief in spiritual being”.
In simple terms, Religion is a combination of beliefs and practices which are considered
sacred by a particular group of people. It is an integral part of human society. It is universal
Factors responsible for the emergence of scientific approaches to religion
Several factors were responsible for the dawn of this new discipline, science of religion.
They were reformation, geographical discoveries, deism, scientific and intellectual
developments, travel accounts, decipherment of ancient texts, the enlightenment
philosophies, romantic idealism and studies in myth and folklore.
1.Reformation
The Reformation period, according to E.O. James and Waardenburg, is specifically the 16th
and 17th centuries, impacting religious study. Before this, Christianity's scriptures were
inaccessible to ordinary people, and religious practices were unquestioned. The
Reformation prompted scrutiny of scripture and church practices. The spirit of critical study
persisted, with scholars like Julius Wellhausen challenging the origin and dating of the Torah.
Similarly, David F. Strauss questioned the historical existence of Jesus, reflecting an early
application of the Historical Critical method ahead of its time.
2.Geographical Discoveries
The 16th and 17th-century geographical discoveries, coupled with the Reformation, ignited
a passion for studying religion. These explorations exposed the West to diverse behaviors,
thoughts, and beliefs, prompting a need for a broader perspective on human nature, culture,
and religion. This curiosity led to a significant interest in understanding the lives and
practices of newly encountered people, driving further explorations into unknown societies,
including their religious practices.
3.Deists
In the 17th and 18th centuries, deists played a role in the systematic study of religions. They
believed that the original religion was pure, and priests later corrupted it. Deists promoted
the innate religious nature of humanity, challenging the dominance of revealed religions.
Despite facing resistance from the church and limited acceptance, deistic ideas endured.
They provided essential insights into the concept of natural religion, contributing to the
development of the emerging scientific study of religion.
4.Scientific and Intellectual Developments
Thomas L. Benson notes that the scientific and intellectual advancements of the 17th and
18th centuries shaped new approaches to the study of religion. Darwin's theory of evolution,
especially, significantly influenced the emergence of religion as an independent discipline,
particularly among scholars embracing an anthropological perspective. These thinkers
developed their ideas based on the concept of 'linear development,' assuming that
everything, including religion, was progressing toward perfection. This notion persisted in
later scholars' works, combined with critical reasoning prevalent in academic circles.
5.Travelers account
In the 18th century, post-geographical discoveries, travelers like Charles de Brosses and
Meiners began describing religions, albeit not systematically. Brosses proposed Fetishism as
the earliest religion, influencing F. Max Müller's views on religious evolution. Meiners
extended the theory, emphasizing human imagination's role in religious development.
Similarly, Benjamin Constanty de Rebeque saw religion as a fundamental human feeling,
foreshadowing later psychological approaches to religion. Despite criticisms, these early
works laid the groundwork for the 'Science of Religion,' hinting at early anthropological,
sociological, and psychological approaches.
6.Decipherment of Ancient Texts
Max Müller highlighted the significance of ancient text discovery alongside travel accounts
for researching unknown religions. William Jones, studying Sanskrit, identified structural
similarities with European languages, suggesting a linguistic connection. He also noted
parallels between Indian myths and those of Greece, Rome, and the Bible, influencing
research in Indo-European linguistics and mythology. Jean-Francois Champollion deciphered
ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Müller, inspired by linguistic research, played a pivotal role in
establishing the scientific study of religion. The study of languages, akin to the impact of
evolutionary theory, became central in Müller's contributions.
7.German philosophers
In the 18th century, French Enlightenment philosophers like Voltaire saw religion as a ploy
by cunning priests, while German philosophers, including Thomas L. Benson, pursued a
deeper understanding. They viewed religions as either a rational outgrowth or a result of
Divine grace. Emphasizing the historical dimension, they asserted that religion must be
studied in connection with history. Their insights, highlighting the common origin and
historical development of religions, greatly influenced later scientific studies of religion.
8. Romantic idealism
German Romantic idealism, a reaction against Enlightenment ideas, significantly influenced
modern approaches to religion. Advocates like Friedrich Schleiermacher stressed
individuality, feelings, and imagination, encouraging an appreciation for remote, ancient,
mystical, and folk cultures and religions. Hegel saw the history of religions as the realization
of abstract religious ideas, while Vico, an Italian philosopher, traced the origin of religion to
the 'fear of a superior power,' evolving from polytheism to spiritual monotheism. Overall,
Romantic Idealism posited a common origin for religion, rooted in fear or feeling.
9. Myth and Folklore
In the early 19th century, scholars emphasized mythology, comparative religion, and
folklore, comparing the history of religion to myth and engaging in comparative studies.
Folklore, notably explored by European scholar Wilhelm Mannhardt, influenced James G.
Frazer. This era marked the integration of mythology and folklore into the study of religious
history, broadening the sources for understanding religious phenomena.
Conclusion
The dawn of the science of religion in the early 19th century was influenced by various
factors. The Reformation questioned traditional religious practices, while geographical
discoveries broadened perspectives. Deists challenged corrupted religious views, and
scientific developments, travel accounts, and decipherment of ancient texts expanded
knowledge. German philosophers emphasized historical understanding, and Romantic
Idealism highlighted feelings and individuality. Mythology and folklore studies further
enriched the scientific study of religion. These diverse influences laid the foundation for a
comprehensive exploration of global religions and cultures.