The Evolution of Early Religions: From Divine Guidance to Cosmic Science

Understanding the earliest forms of religious beliefs and their impact on human civilization is a fascinating journey through time. The origins of religion are often speculative, given the limited archaeological and historic records. This article delves into the earliest known religions, their evolution, and how their core concepts still resonate today.

Early Religions and Divine Guidance

The earliest known religious beliefs are often referred to as tribal religions and mythologies. These were the first forms of guidance given to early humans about 90,000 years ago, marking a significant step away from mere survival instincts towards a more conscious interaction with the world and nature.

These early religions were fundamentally about living in harmony with nature, spirits, animals, and the divine. For instance, the squatter man figure, found across the globe, symbolizes the early connection between humans and the spiritual world. Another example is the hamsa, an ancient symbol seen in the Middle East, which has roots in indigenous American cultures, further indicating the long-standing nature of these beliefs.

Tribal Warfare and Inhumane Religions

As societies developed, so too did the need for more structured guidance. The rise of tribal warfare necessitated more refined and systematic approaches to conflict resolution. This led to the emergence of what we call inhumane religions. These were designed to control violence and prevent excessive retaliation. The cardinal rule 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth' became a popular principle in many early religious texts. This guidance aimed to ensure that revenge was proportional and managed.

The focus of inhumane religions was on creating societal structures, institutions, and new religious practices. These new systems provided a framework for monogamous marriage, structured societies, and organized worship. Essentially, they moved society from a state of chaos brought about by constant warfare to more structured and organized methods of conflict resolution.

Humane Religions: Paths to Peace

After millennia of bloodshed and conflict, people began to long for a way out of the endless cycle of violence and suffering. This desire gave rise to humane religions. Early examples include Buddhism and Christianity, which advocated for principles like non-violence, love, and forgiveness. These religions provided a moral and ethical framework that prioritized peace and harmony over retribution.

Buddha's statement, "there is a way out of suffering" and Christ's message of turning the other cheek and loving one's enemies, represented a significant shift in human spiritual evolution. This new moral code, based on love, tolerance, and forgiveness, helped break the cycle of conflict and vengeance, offering a path towards a more peaceful existence.

Atheist Materialist Science: Intellectual Independence

As society progressed, the intellectual and scientific revolution helped people achieve mental independence. The rise of atheist materialist science allowed individuals to question and test the traditional religious and moral frameworks. This led to the development of a worldview based on logic, reason, and evidence, rather than blind faith.

However, even with the benefits of science, the search for a greater understanding of the universe and the meaning of life continued. As people began to realize that science couldn't fully explain their suffering and challenges, the need for a new form of guidance became evident. This led to the emergence of cosmic science or spiritual science.

Conclusion: The Continuity of Early Religious Concepts

The concepts and principles that emerged from these early religions, while evolving over time, still have a profound impact on modern society. The values of harmony, peace, and forgiveness, which were central to early religious systems, continue to influence our understanding of human morality and our approach to conflict resolution.

From symbolic figures like the squatter man and hamsa to the transformative messages of humane religions, the legacy of early religious beliefs continues to shape our world today. Understanding this evolution helps us appreciate the complexity and depth of the spiritual journey that began tens of thousands of years ago and continues to this day.

Keywords: divine guidance, early religions, cosmic science