DO WE NEED RELIGION TO KNOW DIVINITY

In the modern world, there are about 4,300 different religions being practiced. However, primarily any form of religious or spiritual beliefs and practices can be traced back to prehistoric times even before the ancient Sumerians invented writing around 3500 to 3000 BCE (Before Common Era). Archaeological finds indicate that prehistoric humans practiced spirituality, but much of the evidence is still being debated.

Since these pre-historic times, religion has gone through a complex and multidimensional change. Early cultures mostly had beliefs that gave spiritual meaning to natural phenomena and worshiped the spirits of ancestors. This was followed by the development of Polytheistic religions, in which gods represented many aspects of the human experience, which developed as civilizations developed.

Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and later Christianity and Islam were among the monotheistic religions that rose to prominence during the Axis. These religions place great emphasis on personal salvation and ethical monotheism.

The Renaissance and Enlightenment periods encouraged intellectual inquiry, leading to the rise of secularism and criticism of religious authority. Various theological expressions have been revived in modern times, including New Age organizations, Eastern philosophies, and the rise of atheism and agnosticism.

Although religious commitment and influence have waned in some parts of the world, it would be an oversimplification to say that religion is losing steam everywhere. Religious ideas and practices remain influences in many areas of the world, and millions of people follow different religious traditions.

In addition, religious organizations remain important in areas such as social welfare, health, and education. But in other countries, secularization and the emergence of secular ideas have stretched the power and control of religious institutions, leading to greater religious diversity and the formation of a non-religious worldview. Ultimately, a complex interplay of social, cultural, and political factors affects the state and fate of religion.

Those who seek spiritual connection outside the walls of traditional religious organizations embark on a unique and different journey to seek divinity outside of organized religion. To find inner peace and positive self-awareness, some people choose to explore other spiritual practices such as meditation, yoga, or energy healing.

Others take solace in nature's stunning beauty and see it as a sacred manifestation of the divine. Science, literature, art, and craft can serve as platforms for searching for the meaning of life and pondering the mysteries of existence. Embracing the concept of self-determination, religious figures aim to follow their own path, drawing on diverse knowledge and understanding to create a unique and authentic path.

Whether we need religion to understand God depends on our perspective and faith. Religion provides the formal framework, rituals, and teachings that guide our spiritual journey and our understanding of God, a sense of belonging, moral guidance, and opportunities to connect with something greater than ourselves.

Those who pursue their spiritual path outside of organized religion, seek a closer and more direct relationship with God and pursue alternative methods, ideologies, or introspective thinking. Ultimately, the desire to know God through religion is personal and based on each person's values, life experiences, and spiritual connection.