Theories

Theory 1
Religion is not exclusive to humans, but rather is self-awareness that there is more than just what is necessary for life. This led to humans questioning and afterlife. Chimpanzees who ritualistically hit the ground that demonstrates hey are aware of the nature around them and desire to interrupt and control it.
Theory 2
Something genetic leads to religion. An actual element of the human psyche, a unique result of culture is the different specific branches are a result of culture. “Religion’s hybrid character – between biology and culture…” (Creation of the sacred – p. 23) Genetics provides the need, culture evolves the religion and religion evolves the culture. “Religion constitutes the greatest challenge to human sociobiology no doubt religion has appeared as a new phenomenon in the course of evolution”(Consilience p. 17) “The basic hypothesis of sociobiology is the co evolution of genes and cultures, with constant feedback between the two.”(Burkman p. 10)
Theory 3
All religion has one common ancestor, a single uniform religion. This was a response to nature and the uncertainty of early human existence. Explain the unexplainable it was a form of science. Definition of science – “knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths or the operation of general laws”
Theory 4
In reaction to chaos and disorder of the species, man developed religion as a means to keep law and order. It was a system of reward and punishment upon the guilt of the human conscience.
Tom L. and Erin Ferguson