Origins of Religion  “The assurance of salvation: Once saved, always

saved.” 1 John 5:13

Revelation- According to most religions, this is how it began. A God
revealed himself and his will to Man. 3. Conflict theory by Karl Marx
Example: God calls Abraham to be the father of a great nation Marx believed that religion teaches people to accept their
(Abrahamic religions) current condition in life, no matter how bad, while postponing
rewards and happiness to some afterlife.
Anthropological Theories Religion diverts people's attention away from injustices with
the belief that rewards are yet to come.
1. Animistic Theories Example:
Primitive people believed in souls or anima found in people
 “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the
(seen in dreams) and in all of nature. They had to pray to
kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for
these spirits, offer sacrifices, appease or avoid them.
you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.” Luke 6:20-21
2. Nature Worship Theory
Human beings first developed their religions from their
observations of the forces of nature. They personalize them by
giving them names, describing their activities with tales, then
transforming them into mythology.
Sociological Theories
(Religion is influenced by location and culture, and not because of a
fundamental truth)
1. Functionalism by Emile Durkheim
Religion exists to perform a function in the society. It
influenced the thinking and behavior of the members of
society. Religion is the glue that holds society together.
Example:
 People view “sacred objects” (cross, rosary, Bible, etc.)
with a sense of reverence compared to daily objects.
 Simbang Gabi has become an integral part of our
culture in celebration of Christmas (a Christian holiday).

2. Social Change by Max Weber

This theory is only directed towards Christianity. Weber
examined the impact of Christianity on Western thinking and
culture. Christianity was a “salvation religion” that claims
people can be “saved” when they convert to certain beliefs and
moral codes.
Example: