What was the first religion to emerge?

Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion, according to many scholars, with roots and customs dating back more than 4,000 years. Today, with about 900 million followers, Hinduism is the third-largest religion behind Christianity and Islam.

When did religion emerge?

Prehistoric evidence of religion. The exact time when humans first became religious remains unknown, however research in evolutionary archaeology shows credible evidence of religious-cum-ritualistic behaviour from around the Middle Paleolithic era (45-200 thousand years ago).

Where did Islam emerge?

Mecca
Islam started in Mecca, in modern-day Saudi Arabia, during the time of the prophet Muhammad’s life.

Where has Christianity grown in the last 100 years?

Within the last century, as the influence of Christianity has waned in the West, it has rapidly grown in the East and the Global South; in China, South Korea and much of sub-Saharan Africa. The religious climate of 1st century Judea was diverse, with numerous Judaic sects.

How many Christians are there in the world today?

Since the Renaissance era, with colonialism inspired by the Church, Christianity has expanded throughout the world. Today there are more than two billion Christians worldwide, and Christianity has become the world’s largest religion.

Did evolution aim at religion?

Either way, evolution didn’t “aim” at religion; religion just emerged as evolution “aimed” at other things. While folks on both sides of this debate have their reasons, it seems unhelpful to frame the evolution of religion in such either/or terms.

How important is shared experience in the evolution of religion?

The importance of shared experience can’t be overstated since, in the story we’re telling, the evolution of human religion is inseparable from the ever-increasing sociality of the hominin line. As Bellah points out, religion is as a way of being.