Types of religion

Introduction
 Religion comes into being when religious experiences express and find expression in a distinctive
system of expressing symbols
 In the expression of religion there is the good understanding object of Supreme Being, beyond heavens,
spirits.
 The symbolic objects can exist in the following ways
 They exist within this common world
 They exist beyond this world
 They exist both within and beyond the common world.
 It is from this religion that emerged distinctive types of religion

There are three (3) types

1. Cosmic religion
2. A cosmic religion
3. Historical/ natural religion

A. Cosmic
 The word cosmos means the universe, therefore cosmic religion means the religious object of alternate
concern and this religion is polytheistic in nature. Under this religion the deities/ gods are located within
the common world.
 This religion is also referred to as nature, culture religion and takes the universe or the world itself as
divine.
 This type of religion is mainly found in the place of Mesopotamia (Egypt) and Greece
B. A cosmic
 This type of religion locates the religious objects beyond the common secular world of nature and
society.
 In this type of religion, the religious objects are conceived to singular or plural, this is either a high god,
God, deity or the supreme power.
 It has a vocal point which is referred to as transcendental monism and is mainly found among the
Hinduism and Jainism.
C. Historical/ Natural religion
 The religious objects found both beyond and within the common world.

1
 It shares with the a cosmic type of religion whose transcendental point beyond this common world. It
shares with cosmic type of religion the reality of the world of religion and culture, where the object is
recognised within the world.
 It is monotheistic in nature whereby the Supreme Being is both in this world and outside world.
 In this type of religion, the object is imminent meaning ‘yet far and yet near.’
 In this religion, life is viewed historically and the development to final fulfilment found among
Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
 There are other types of religion which are minor, they are referred to as sycletic, sycletic means symbols
of features of religion that are being borrowed from 2 or more religion which are matched and result in a
unique religion e.g Sikhism came up with features being borrowed from Islam and Hinduism. Features
were being borrowed from Aryan races and indigenous people of India.
D. Pseudo Religions
These are movements and symbolic actions which claim to be at same level with a particular religion
but they are fake but not really.
Example of Pseudo religion is magic.
Magic- is all the formulae for act beyond the ordinary human control this implies the manipulation of
Supra- empirical means for empirical ends.
Empirical means something that is common, natural, material concrete, earthly
Supra means above the ordinary.
Magic is the methodology of manipulating, tapping the mystical powers for the good or harm of the
individual or the community.
They operate through spells and rituals in the following ways
1) Simple tools which include pebbles, hair, and other tools that gives other feeling or air of mystery.
2) They use feathers, coins, quarts
3) Technical knowledge, these techniques will differ from one person to another example rainmaker has
different technique from that of healer.
4) Use of language-the language is used as stimuli of the real act or as the ritualized expression of
emotional desire on the part of performer enacted by use of word and deed.
The condition of the performer of magic has important bearing employed.
The success of magic depends on the skill of operation.
The magician is an actor but plot an actual agent of the mysterious power, he is surrounded with taboos
designed to protect him as an agent of the mysterious power, he is surrounded with taboos designed
protect him against any conduct with influence which might interfere the power of his act.
Magic is related to superstition through centuries and 15th century in Europe all magic was superstition
which was mistaken liken to experiential, dimension of religion, however the natural science resulted
discovery that shuffled the belief in magic especially in the west. Magic however lingers on in-spite of
the new scientific discoveries in the world ever. Magic is said to be good while the practices are
performed to benefit others.

2
 It is said to be evil/black if the practices are intended to harm or cause harmful effects on others.
Magic can be defensive /destructive. The right performance of the ritual is essential and brings about the
desired effectiveness which must be accompanied by ritual of the magic words.
If the motives are made by the magician then the practices become harmful, this is because magic is to
be performed for specific effect i.e there must be a particular purpose. Magic performance is based on
the principle of sympathy and this principle has two laws;
1. Law of similarity
2. Law of contagion
Law of similarity
It implies those things which are alike/are the same. This means that the law is based on the belief owing
certain likeness
Influence can be exerted from one to the other without physical contact e.g an action taken against an image
or symbol or picture can have similar effect on the real object by use of magic.
The Law of Contagion
It leads to contagious magic. This is based on the assumption that once some object or person have been
connected they will influence each other even when separate. Because of the effects of magic on the people
and society it has been regarded as religion due to some similarities.
James Frazer pioneered the theory that magic is the origin of religion because there are similarities and
differences it can be referred to as pseudo religion.
Similarities between Religion and Magic
1. According to social functional theory, magic and religion are a set of belief and practices which is a
characteristic of human society.
2. Both magic and religion share the concept of the beyond.
3. They share the idea that human beings are capable to establishes a contact with supernatural realities.
4. Magic like religion offers way of adjusting to those aspects of human situations which lie beyond
human control.
5. Both arise and function in situations of emotional stress and both open up escapes from situations.
6. Both are based on mythological condition and exist in the atmosphere of miracles and surrounding
by taboos and observances which separate these acts from the secular world.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RELIGION AND MAGIC
 Religion is a body of self-contained acts which are themselves the fulfilment of the purpose while magic
aims at a practical end.
 Religion offers a variety and more complex supernatural sphere which can’t be manipulated while magic
beliefs are simple rituals, limited and techniques are circumspect.
 Magic implement human practical abilities enhancing one’s confidence of hope over fear, religion on the
other hand contribute to human morals by enhancing all valuable mental attitudes courage and
confidence to face reality.

3
 Religion provides a definition beyond the extent of our knowledge and security beyond the guarantee of
human relationship while magic providence is empirical and for a particular end.
 Religious rituals places man in relation to supernatural realities and express the supernatural realities to
bring changes and effects in the natural world.
 Magic is manipulative while religion is persuasive.
 Religion is petitionary i.e does not force or compel and admits one depending on the supernatural
powers while magic manipulates the supernatural powers by the right use of formulae and techniques
whose results can not be questioned.
- Religion and Magic are two different phenomena, 2 alternatives and 2 opposites. Indeed magic is
pseudo religion.
- Devil worship is an entire religion for it is subjectively used for personal good and not for the
common good. One is subjected to no freedom. This is unethical and immoral especially when
practiced deliberately. To shock the world order and to reverse it e.g use of human sacrifices and
other rituals, amount to crime rather than the common good.
- The Greek religion are pseudo because of their nature; they have many gods and semi gods and
human deities which are worshipped for empirical ends.
-
1. Transcendental & immanent type
 Usually religion can be divided into these two main types.
 Religion that believe that God is transcendental are Christianity and Islam
 When we say that God is transcendental we mean that He is wholly “other” and separate from the
universe. Which he created. E.g Isaiah 6:1-3 God’s glory fills the earth which he created but God
himself is “high and lifted up”, separate from his creation. Similarly in Isaiah 40:12-26, God created
the world and the stars, but he himself ‘sits above the circle of the earth’ Vs. 22 God cannot be
confused with creation and separate from it.
2. Immanence:
 Religions which believe that God is immanent include philosophical Hinduism. This means that God
is in all things throughout the natural world. God is often identified with creation itself since God is
one and creation is an extension of God Himself.
 God is in everything. The chair you are sitting on, the house you live in – God is in all & all is God.
This point of view is also called PANTHEISM.
 Immanence can be understood in another way which says that God is in his world without being
identified with it. This is the teaching of Psalm 139. We cannot escape from the presence of God.
He is always close to us. We cannot say either that Gods world is far from us. On the contrary it is
very near us and in our heart as Deut 30:11-14 & Rom 10:6-9 says. Supremely Christians say that
God was immanent in his world when the “word became flesh & dwelled among us.” ((Jn 1:14).
And He dwells in the World still be His Spirit (Jn 14:16-17).
3. TRADITIONAL TYPES OF RELIGION
This used to be called Animism (belief in spirits) but this title has been dropped in favour of the
word traditional. Traditional is used because there is no written record of beliefs, but there is a very

4
 strong oral tradition about religion which is passed by word of mouth from generation to generation.
Sir E. Tylor noted that traditional religion is characterised by belief in spiritual beings especially in:
 The non-material (Spiritual) part of man.
 Existence or life after death (eg the ancestors or living dead)
 The ‘soul’ can leave the body in trances or dreams etc.
 Animals, plants, birds and objects have souls.
 There are other spiritis independent of God.
4. PROPHETIC & REVELATORY TYPE
This classification is particularly relevant to religious with transcendent ideas of God since it describes
the way in which God, who is separated from his creation, communicates with it. Prophets, sacred
Kings, medicine men or other types of mediator convey the messages (Revelations of God or the gods to
mankind. They were considered as holy men who would cure the sick, offer sacrifice and contact God
or the spirits.
5. UNIVERSAL TYPE
Buddhisim, Christianity & Islam claim to be universal religious. By this they mean that their religion is
valid not just in the area where it began, but also thorough the whole world. Some Hindus claim that
Hinduism is universal but probably it is more ethnic and traditional than universal. Islam was founded
by prophet Muhammad so it is a prophetic religion. Similarly Christianity is a prophetic religion for two
reasons:
(A) Firstly it was founded by a prophet of Nazareth (Jesus)
(B) Secondly prophecy is described as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to the church by God (1
Cor. 12:10). There are different types of prophecy. One function of O.T prophet was to speak God’s
word against the social evils of the time. So Christians like Willberforce in England, Dr. Martin
Luther King in USA & Arch Bishop Janal Luwum in Uganda were “prophets” because they spoke
out against the evils of their day.
6. MYSTICAL TYPE
Most religions have mystical elements or people who practice mystecisms. It is difficult to describe but
we can say that the mystic seeks to break away from this world in order to achieve unity and fellowship
with the inifinite or with God who is beyond this world. God is experienced in a non-rational way
through traunces or spiritual experiences that are hard describe. Mystics have an insight or understanding
of God that ordinary people do not have. W.T stance mentions? Characteristics of mysticism:
(I) A sense of oneness with God & with eternity and the universe.
(II) A sense of being outside space and time – again with God.
(III) A sense of being in touch with reality or objectively greater than this world.
(IV) Feelings of blessedness, joy, peace, happiness etc.
(V ) Feeling that one is in touch with something or someone holy, sacred or divine.
(VI) A feeling of paradoxicality ie. One is oneself yet nolonger oneself.
(VII) The experience is “ineffable” i.e impossible to describe (2 COR 12:1-7)

5
 CONCLUSION
The 6th classification of religion in terms of mysticism is often the most interesting. You may find it
difficult but if you stop & think of how you become a Christian, then give a testimony explaining how
you experiences God through the H/Spirit coming into your life. This meaning you have had a sense of
oneness with God, the feeling of peace & joy in a wonderful way is what is mysticism.

1. CHAP 2: Study of religion

History of religion (Nature of religion)
As a discipline, it began in the late 19th and early 20th century. This was time when the great progress was
made in development of discipline such as: Anthropology, Sociology and psychology.
With regard to religious phenomenon, at this time a great attention was needed in religious studies due to
religious roles and significance in the societies which were being studied. The majority of the scholars
agreed that any account on how society should operate and function would be incomplete unless they
have some knowledge on the place of religion or belief system in the society.
After the publication of Charles Darwin’s book in 1859 titled (Evolution of man) “origin of species”
scholars gave great deal of attention to religious phenomenon and applied the notion of evolution to
religion.
Darwin advanced the theory that life begun from simple cell and evolved into more complex forms as
time went by. Therefore the scholars envisaged a series of stages of religious development towards what
was thought to be the highest form of faith which was usually monotheism.
IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY OF RELIGION
 Religion has always been a hallmark of humanity. Even in pre-history, humans were bound together
because of shared beliefs. Priestly caste later evolved into the kings and advisors of common people
 Both at individual and family level, religion is used to guide peoples life. Research reveals that
religious people are happier and less likely to suffer from stress related sicknesses /illness and more
likely to remain employed. Growing up in stable families also has similar effects
 Religion instils morality in the society. Religious leaders use their supposed religious authority to
guide people morally.
 Speaking of ethical dilemmas in the recent times, science has found itself in a dilemma. But Albert
Einstein once said “science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind” though it may
be true that the path of scientist may need occasional straightening by some moral guidance; religion
plays a crucial role in science. For example scientists need God to get knowledge and wisdom to
enable them comprehend the concepts that are beyond human understanding. For instance issues
such as the destiny of the human soul.
 The study helps one to understand man/ human beings as religious beings or homo-religious beings.

6
  It helps to understand the events of human history and understand the religious traditions of various
people.
 It helps us to plan ahead for events of life through history by learning from the past.
 It helps us to understand the behaviour of the society and the individuals
 It helps us to understand and familiarize ourselves with spiritual universe.
 Religion contributes to intellectual expressions i.e it seeks to understand meaning, makes the inquiry
of human life, purpose, destiny condition, nature, death etc.
 Religion contributes to actions of the society, affirms on its reality in the respective aspects in human
experience.ie the use of symbols, language, rituals etc. beliefs determine the mode of human actions.
Contributes to social relationships in that people who had intellectual positions in common and who worship
together form a community

METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY OF RELIGION

It can be approached in 3 ways:
a. To study religion with a pre-determined intension. To establish one’s own faith this means to study
religion is a proof that little or no truth can be found in other religions. This approach is shallow and
selfish. It’s an enclosed approach.
b. To study religion with predetermined view that all religions are the same. This is possibly based on
assumption that all religions denounce selfishness or all religion promote love for one another,
however this assumption is not right because their significances in religions, this is also shallow and
selfish approach.
c. To study religion in order to appreciate and experience other religions or other faiths. This means to
seek the understanding of variety of the truth manifested in religions and as the result, the beauty
created by the variety of belief and mysteries in the unity and the differences, this approach seeks to
grow in the understanding, acceptance, tolerance and love.
Theories of origin of religion
 The scholars have always argued on the source of religion, therefore they have come up with many
theories as there are many scholars.
1. Evans Pritchard wrote a book titled theories of primitive religion (meaning first religions)he divided
the theories in to two
i. Psychological
ii. Sociological
2. Ninian Smart: He divided the theories into four (4):
i. Psychological theory
ii. Sociological theory
iii. Evolutional theory: Evolution- religion from primitive to modern
iv. Devolution theories
7
 Devolution- religion devolved from modern to primitive
3. Jeheman: all theories are the same and theories for him all the theories are naturists theories
4. Charles Debrosses (1709-1777): he pioneered the theory of animism and said that religion started
from animism- belief in many spirits. He says, a human being is made up of two parts. The first part
is the soul or the spirit, the second part is the body. He says that like in death the spirit leaves that
body and never comes back to it.
o He says that when this spirit leaves one body it occupied the natural objects and due to over whiling
power of impression of the natural object human beings worshipped then. The degree of worship of
this objects depended on the measure of one’s fear, respect and need for them.
5. Edward Taylor:
 Animism was the beginning of religion (supports Charles Debrosses). Animism evolved into
polytheism and later to monotheism.
 Animism → polytheism → Monotheism
(Belief in many spirits) (Belief in many gods) (Belief in one God)
6. Herbert Spence’s (1820-19030
He advanced the theory of animism, however he differs with Taylor and the point of departure for him is
that ancestor worship was the origin of religion. Later on Animism was done through the names of the
people and it was at this point that religion evolved in to natural object having spirits.
Ancestor Worship → animism → polytheism → monotheism
7. James Frazer (1844-1914)
 He wrote the first book in 1900 titled “the golden boughs” in this book he stated that religion
originated from magic and therefore, he pioneered the magical religious theory; he proposed that
human beings belief both in personal spiritual being as well as a personal source which are subjected
to magic. He says the first phase of human mental development is magic which is lower than the
belief in spiritual beings. From magic man found out that not all his problems could be solved by
magic and therefore he developed the belief in religion mainly for security and assistance.
 Even in religion all his problems still persisted therefore he developed science and technology. In
science and technology the course of events and how to control them was given.
Magic →religion →science and technology
Later on Charles Derossess stated that religion must have originated from magic but with time he
deviated from this and said that religion did not originate from magic, ancestor worship or animism
but from Fetishes or charms, which is the belief that particular objects contained superior powers.
The word fetishism is from Portuguese word meaning charm with magical powers. Charles believed
that any object in life is magic and possesses power.
Fetishism →polytheism→ monotheism
8. Andrew Long
 Was student of Taylor; he differed with his teacher Taylor and stated that religion never evolved
rather devolved from monotheism to polytheism then animism.
(monotheism→ polytheism→ animism)
8
According to Lang, monotheism was the highest form of faith and developed monotheistic theory: was
assisted by Wilhelm somite who believed that religion devolved from highest form- monotheism to the
lowest form. Some scholars came up to support to support origin of religion theory.
 Max Muller- (1833-1900) pioneered the theory of naturalism and called the nature myth theory.
According to him the great symbols of world religion were personification of natural phenomena
such as the sun, moon and stars. For those who had the symbol of the sun, they argued that religion
must have started as the cult of the solar, and then for him the natural phenomenon was the
beginning of religion as in European and Indian religion.
Psychological Theory
By Sigmuud Freud- he came up with psycle analytic theory and he asserts that in order to understand and
trace the growth patterns of a human being and the evolution of human race, it will help us to know the
development of religion.
He therefore gives 3 stages vis a vis (development of human being)
i. Infant stage- at this stage the infant is unable to satisfy his desires through physical activities, the
infant is therefore dependent on the time most of his needs uses imagination and wishful thinking to
bring about his desires. At the same time the infant substitutes actions for thoughts. For Freud, he
likened this to magic and magic to him is wishful thinking in the similar ways an infant thinks. When
a person is frustrated with unfulfilled desires, he turns to magic by which he tries to gain his desires
so that by wishful thinking he believes he can influence the course of his life.
ii. The young adult stage: the human being is still dependent on his parent but he has feelings or he
expresses his feelings by laughs and hates. At this stage Freud coiled a myth referred to as Oedipus
complex. In the complex he shows totem (sacrifice came into replace magic which later on was
replaced by religion.)
iii. Adult or maturing stage. Man realized that all his problems could not be solved by religion, therefore
he turned to science and technology.
Magic → Religion →Science and Technology
Sociological theory
Pioneered by Emile Derkheim. He looked at religion in terms of the structure of the society. He says that
religion has value because it provides security and assurance in the midst of problems. His approach is that
religion served a useful purpose for individuals who make a society. He wrote a book in 1912 titled
“Elementary forms of religion in life” which he highlighted that religion begun as clan glut/oversupply
which was totemia in nature. He championed the idea that religion always is asocial phenomenon and
religious beliefs are born out of the social project into the structure of the belief he therefore insists that
religion originated as product of social structures of the society. For him human beings created their own
gods in the image of the society.