Was there a 1st religion, and how did it start? (ritual, Creator)

Ormiston · #1 10-27-2005, 03:57 PM

I can only think of three possible ways:
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A) God(s) showed him/herself to the people, much like Moses and the burning bush.
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B) A man/woman (or many) thought it up and created it.
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C) God(s) made it known (or knowable) by leaving clues, imprinting our subconscious, or by some other mechanism or spiritual gift.
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My question is: a) have I left anything off of the list, b) which do you believe, and c) how does your answer to 'b' explain the variety of religious beliefs found around the world today?
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My answer is probably obvious. I simply think someone invented the first and all of the following religions. I think fear led to faith. This is the boring answer though, and I'm hoping someone spiritual will be able to make me think a little.

Fatmop · #2 10-27-2005, 04:01 PM

It's not a boring answer if you think about it like an epic tale!

Such and such created a religion; all were intrigued at the man who claimed to know so much about the world and its creator! Some said he was wrong; but they had no explanations of their own, and who would you rather go with, the one who can't think of anything, or the one with all the answers?

Soon, his religion reached the ears of the ruler of the city/province/town/mudhole. The King/Queen/Prince/Chief Mudslinger was in awe - and decided to adopt the religion and declare that all his subjects follow him in worshipping God/the gods/mud-cakes.

Other towns, however, were developing their OWN religions! Two contrary explanations could not be correct - and how to reconcile this difference? WAR!!

And on and on it goes.

Scuba Pete · #3 10-27-2005, 04:03 PM

A and C

Works for me!

Feathers in Hair · #4 10-27-2005, 04:15 PM

Goddess-worship tended to be more prevelant the further back in history one goes. (At least, as far as my small amount of research goes.) Perhaps, as cultures became more 'advanced', they desired personifications of such things as harvest, war, childbirth, and death, in order to make these things more accessible and give them a 'face' to make appeals to. I'd say forms of shamanism are most likely to be the first ways the people had of connecting with the earthly and spiritual worlds, but as that is not a religion in itself, I won't even guess at a first religion.

Victor · #5 10-27-2005, 04:21 PM

A and C for me as well.

~Victor

Ormiston · #6 10-27-2005, 04:51 PM

And I thought my answer was boring. How often does someone with differing views say, "Tell me what you think and I'll sit back and listen"? I'm not looking for an argument. I'm truly curious about everyone's faith. Perhaps I should repost this in the discussion forums...