Understanding the World's Religions
An Overview of Early Religions Throughout the World
Jul 28, 2008
To be fully understood, different religions must be studied and compared. Understanding the context in which they were formed and the influences they had – and, in turn, the religions that they then influenced – provides insight into why a religion is what it is.
Origins of Religion
The word religion comes from the Latin word religio, meaning to bind anew. Religion has existed in many different forms throughout history, but there is a common thread. As James F. Clarke wrote, “there is this one element in common, the faith in unseen powers above us, but not far from us, with whom we can speak, who can hear and answer prayer.”
Our understanding and knowledge of ancient religions comes from archeological and anthropological observations. Early people lived in harmony with nature, close to the land and the flow of the universe. This also made them connected to each other and to their understanding of God. Early civilizations were animistic, considering both everyday objects and the universe to possess a soul or consciousness.
The religions of the Egyptians, Babylonians and Greeks were highly developed. Each celebrated various festivals and religion played an important part in daily life. Each had a class of priesthood that was regarded on a higher level than the rest of society, with special duties and privileges. All believed in an afterlife and a soul.
Babylonian Worship
Babylonians worshiped a trinity of gods: Ea – the god of water, Anu – the god of the sky, and Enlil – the storm god. Later, a second trinity developed – Sin, Shamash and Ishtar. The priesthood was divided into two classes: Ashipu – who were exorcists, and Mashmashu – the purifiers.
The Egyptian Religion
The Egyptians believed that life after death was a natural continuation of life on earth. They were known for their interest and devotion to religion and ceremony. Egyptians loved festivals, with more recorded festivals than any other ancient religion. They had many temples, each with a body of priests whose needs were provided by the public stores.
Egyptians resisted Christianity, retaining its devotees into the sixth century. It even influenced several Christian traditions, such as the placing of a wedding ring on the woman’s finger during a wedding ceremony, Candlemas Day (which celebrated the Feast of Candles at Sais) and the shaved heads of early Catholic priests. Egyptian religion also showed its gods appearing in triads, similar to the Christian Trinity.
Ancient Greek Religion
The Greeks considered the Egyptian religion a bit gloomy, saying that “the Egyptians offer their gods tears.” Greek religion was different from many others in that it had no great founder, no sacred books and no priestly caste system. Rather than just belief, Greek religious worship was a matter of cheerful practice incorporated into daily life.
The Greek gods were thought to be made in the image of man, and so bore many resemblances to man’s personality and character. They might have been stronger and more intelligent than man, but were certainly no purer or of a higher spiritual plane. They were much like man, with his whims and desires. And as such, they were not considered holy or omnipotent.
The Greek people enjoyed trying to look into the future and consulted and respected the oracles. The most respected oracle was at Delphi – considered to be the center for the earth. Even when the oracle’s predictions did not come true, some explanation was given so that the oracle’s credibility remained. In fact, it was thought to be infallible.
Each of these ancient religions brings with it new insights into our own modern religions. Looking into the past and where we come from helps us better understand where we are today.
Reference: Morris Pratt Educational Course on Modern Spiritualism.
