Just Human Podcast

Why did religions form? Religions initially formed to explain the unknown. Religion provided answers to questions about the existence and purpose of life. Early human beings wanted to understand the natural world and its phenomena, such as the purpose of the moon and sun. Religion provided explanations and attributed them to supernatural forces or divine beings at times.

Religion also provided a sense of control in the face of and chaos. Belief in divine intervention and fate provided reassurance in the midst of adversity. Religious practices such as prayer and sacrifice were believed to influence the divine realm and bring about desired outcomes such as protection from God, healing and bountiful harvests. Religion served as a powerful force to unite individuals into communities based on shared beliefs and values. These beliefs and practices became integral to developing cultural identity, heritage, tradition, further shaping languages, art, and literature.

Religion provided a moral and ethical framework that guided individuals and promoted virtues such as honesty, justice, kindness, and compassion. Religious texts and teachings contain commandments and moral codes that believers were expected to follow with either punishment or reward based on adherence to these teachings and commandments. If these commandments were followed dutifully, then a reward would be obtained in the afterlife. Religion addressed the human fear of death by providing explanations for life after death, reincarnation or spiritual continuation. The belief in an afterlife provided meaning and purpose to human existence.

Religion provided authority and leadership with religious institutions and leadership structures emerging to interpret texts, administer rituals and mediate between humans and the divine.