How Religion Created Civilization

The Profound Impact of Religion on the Formation of Civilization

Article by Ricardo Rangels

The intrinsic relationship between religion and civilization dates back to the dawn of humanity, evidenced by a variety of cultural, social, and intellectual expressions. While critics often challenge the role of religion in society, it is undeniable that it played a fundamental role in the creation and development of civilizations throughout history. This article comprehensively explores how religion influenced various facets of human life, from arts to science, and how its contributions shaped the trajectory of civilization.

1. Art: Visual Expression of Faith

Visual arts, such as painting and sculpture, originated in the religious rituals of early humans. Cave paintings, serving not only as visual representations but also as symbols of faith to ensure good harvests, marked the beginning of this artistic expression. Visualizing spirits and divine myths through art served as a link between the tangible and the transcendental.

Over time, the creation of images evolved into sculpture, giving rise to works that were not only aesthetically magnificent but also carried profound religious meanings.

2. History, Poetry, and Music: Transmitting Beliefs from Generation to Generation

Oral tradition played a crucial role in transmitting myths and beliefs from the earliest days of humanity. Early humans shared their stories, which soon transformed into poems and later into music. The interconnection of these artistic forms became a powerful way to preserve and communicate religious narratives, thus contributing to social cohesion.

3. Theater: Religious Drama and the Seed of Cinema

Theater, as a form of dramatic art, had its roots in the dramatization of religious myths. The fusion of acting, poetry, and music in theater not only provided entertainment but also laid the foundation for the subsequent evolution of cinema. The early stages were the altars where myths and deities came to life.

4. Fashion: Religious Distinction and Influence on Society

Religious leaders have always been innovators in creating distinctive garments, marking their separation and dedication to revered beings. This custom, initially exclusive to these spiritual figures, gradually extended to the nobility and wealthy families, influencing fashion and the construction of social identity.

5. Architecture: Religious Zeal and Magnificent Works

One of the most visible contributions of religion to civilization is architecture. Religious zeal inspired the creation of magnificent structures that, even today, intrigue and impress. Temples, cathedrals, and mosques, with their architectural grandeur, reflect the spiritual quest and the desire to transcend the mundane.

6. Medicine: Religious Roots of Healing

The beginnings of medicine can be traced to religious leaders, shamans, and witches. They not only offered natural remedies based on herbs but also performed rudimentary surgical practices. These efforts were fundamental to the early steps of medicine as a discipline.

7. Schools and Universities: The Educational Legacy of the Religious

The first educational institutions, such as schools and universities, were established by religious leaders. These institutions served as centers of learning, preserving knowledge, sacred literature, and fostering intellectual progress.

8. Psychological Sciences: From Faith to Modern Therapy

The embryo of psychological sciences has its roots in religious consultations. The practice of opening one's heart and sharing distress with a religious leader preceded contemporary therapeutic sessions. This approach provided spiritual comfort and emotional counseling, laying the groundwork for the modern understanding of the human mind.

9. Mathematics: The Sacredness of Numbers in Religious Civilizations

Mathematics flourished in religious civilizations, where the sacredness of numbers was acknowledged. Since ancient times, various cultures associated divine properties with numbers, developing rudimentary forms of algebra and laying the groundwork for future mathematical explorations.

10. Grammar and Linguistics: Preserving the Sacred Language

Hindus played a significant role in developing the first grammar. The motivation behind this effort was to preserve the precise pronunciation of religious prayers in their sacred language. This linguistic endeavor contributed to the study of languages and grammar on a broader scale.

11. Literature and Alphabet: Sacred Records and Written Development

The attention given by religious individuals to sacred records led to the creation of alphabets and the first books. Besides documenting religious beliefs, this practice expanded to record the history of civilizations, marking the birth of written literature.

12. Musical Notes and Instruments: Harmony in Praise of the Gods

Religious individuals pioneered the creation of musical notes and instruments to express praise and devotion to their gods. These musical innovations transcended the religious context, enriching the musical culture of later societies.

13. Laws and Rights: The Divine Foundation of Social Norms

The writing of laws and rights was often considered of divine origin. Belief in divine guidance influenced the formation of legal systems, with social norms perceived as a reflection of divine will.

14. Government and Nations: The Myth of the Divine Origin of Rulers

To promote cooperation among humans, the myth of the divine origin of rulers was propagated. This belief united people and contributed to the formation of diverse nations, establishing a foundation for government structures.

15. Hygiene: Religious Rituals and Basic Cleansing Practices

Hygiene practices began with religious rituals, such as baptism. Presenting oneself before a deity required purification, establishing the earliest notions of basic hygiene.

16. Astronomy: Exploring the Cosmos with Religious Eyes

Early astronomical studies were conducted by religious individuals observing the movement of celestial bodies and studying constellations. Astronomy, initially intertwined with religious beliefs, paved the way for discoveries that transcended the understanding of the cosmos.

17. Calendar: Sacred Time and Agricultural Guidance

The creation of calendars was deeply rooted in religious practices. Religious individuals developed calendars to mark sacred dates while simultaneously helping farmers identify ideal periods for planting and harvesting. This connection between the sacred and the practical shaped how societies organized time.

18. Family: The Sanctity of Family Unity

While reproduction is inherent to human nature, the modern notion of family gained momentum with the sanctity attributed to family unity in religious practices. Respect for the family as a sacred entity contributed to the structuring of societies.

19. Human Rights: A Perspective Influenced by Faith

Consideration for human rights evolved from the influence of religion. The conception that each individual possesses intrinsic dignity is deeply rooted in many religious traditions, encouraging humanity to think beyond cruelty and to respect life.

20. Charity: Expanding Care Beyond the Family Circle

Before the rise of religion, concern for the less fortunate was often limited to family clans. However, the introduction of charitable principles by religious traditions expanded compassion beyond family borders, encouraging care for the poor and needy.

21. Hospitals, Orphanages, and Elderly Shelters: Care Institutions Inspired by Faith

Religious individuals played a vital role in creating the first hospitals, orphanages, and shelters for the elderly. These institutions were largely guided by the religious principle of caring for the needy, laying the groundwork for the social assistance system we know today.

22. Cuisine: From Offerings to Gods to Gastronomic Innovation

Many foods and spices were conceived from religious rituals involving offerings to gods. Notable examples include the waffle, associated with religious practices in the Middle Ages, and acarajé, a delicacy rooted in Afro-Brazilian religious ceremonies.

23. Tattooing: Marking the Sacred on the Body

The practice was historically used by various peoples as a way to honor their beliefs and express their connection to the sacred. Body modifications, including tattoos, were often associated with religious rituals and symbols.

24. Religious Tourism and Pilgrimages: Spiritual and Cultural Impact

Tourism originated through pilgrimages stands out as a unique expression of the interconnection between faithand civilization. Pilgrims embarked on spiritual journeys to sacred locations, driven by religious devotion. In addition to strengthening their spiritual lives, these pilgrimages had broad economic and cultural impacts. They sustained local communities, spurred the development of tourist infrastructure, and promoted the preservation of historical heritage, while fostering enriching cultural encounters among people from diverse backgrounds.

25. Ritualistic Dance: Physical Expression and Spirituality

Dance is an ancient form of expression that unites physical movement with spirituality. In various religious traditions, dance is used as a tool to achieve altered states of consciousness, celebrate rituals, and honor deities. These dances often incorporate symbolic gestures and movement patterns that transcend mere entertainment, becoming a physical and artistic manifestation of deep spiritual beliefs. They also form the origins of modern dances and celebrations.

26. Physical Exercises: Yoga, Martial Arts, Sports, and Body-Mind Stretches

Practices like yoga, martial arts from various cultures, and stretching are intrinsic to the intersection of body and mind in religious and spiritual traditions. Yoga, originating from India, combines physical postures, breathing, and meditation to promote physical well-being and mental balance. Similarly, martial arts in Eastern and indigenous cultures often incorporate philosophical and spiritual principles, teaching not only combat skills but also self-discipline and connection with the universe. Stretching, whether through religious practices like Tai Chi or in preparation rituals for ceremonies, represents a holistic integration of physical exercises nurturing both body and soul. We can also discuss the origin of sports in various parts of the world, such as in Greece and Rome, playing a role in connecting with the spiritual values of these civilizations.

27. Sacred Landscaping: Nature as Divine Expression

Sacred landscaping is a practice that recognizes nature as a divine manifestation. Gardens, outdoor temples, and natural spaces are designed and cared for to reflect spiritual values. These environments provide places for contemplation, meditation, and worship, serving as precursors to environmentalism by integrating the beauty of nature with the pursuit of spiritual transcendence.

28. Nutrition and Fasting: Food as Spiritual Practice

Nutrition plays a crucial role in many religious traditions, where food is seen not only as physical sustenance but also as a source of spiritual energy. Periodic fasts and specific dietary practices are adopted as expressions of spiritual discipline and respect for life. The conscious choice of food and fasting periods is considered a means of purification and spiritual elevation in various religious practices. Thus, we can say that nutrition also had its origin in religion.

These elements highlight the breadth and depth of religion's influence not only in the spiritual sphere but also in the daily practices involving the body, mind, and the surrounding environment.

Individual Contributions and Conclusions: The Interweaving of Science and Religion

Beyond these notable collective contributions of religion to the formation of civilization, it is essential to highlight the individual achievements of some religious figures who shaped specific knowledge fields.

Gregor Mendel, an Augustinian monk, is revered for his pioneering discoveries in genetics, laying the groundwork for our modern understanding of heredity. His dedication to science not only coexisted but was nourished by his religious faith.

Father Georges Lemaître, in proposing the Big Bang theory, played a crucial role in the development of cosmology. His scientific vision was not in conflict with his faith but rooted in the quest to understand the creation of the universe.

Isaac Newton, one of the greatest scientists in history, was profoundly religious. His contributions to physics, such as the laws of motion and gravity, not only transformed science but also reflected his belief in the divine order underlying the universe.

Louis Pasteur, a devout Catholic, revolutionized medicine by formulating the germ theory and developing pasteurization. His dedication to scientific research was guided by a moral ethic rooted in his faith.

Copernicus, a Catholic cleric, challenged traditional astronomical conceptions by proposing the heliocentric model of the solar system. His scientific boldness did not oppose his faith but enriched human understanding of the cosmos.

Max Planck, considered the father of quantum theory, was deeply religious. His advanced scientific investigations harmoniously coexisted with his belief in a divine plan underlying reality.

While some religious theories have been refuted over time, these individual and collective examples illustrate the fruitful coexistence between science and religion. Each of these religious scientists significantly contributed to the advancement of human knowledge, demonstrating that the pursuit of truth can be driven by both faith and reason.

Ultimately, the influence of religion on the formation of civilization is multifaceted and comprehensive. From arts to sciences, religion has permeated the most fundamental aspects of human experience, shaping our understanding of the world and our own purposes. The ongoing dialogue between faith and reason continues to enrich the cultural and intellectual landscape, evidencing that the pursuit of truth is an endeavor that transcends disciplinary and spiritual boundaries.