The origin and development of religion, mythology, theology and religious philosophy. Semenov Yu.I.

This work considers all the most important problems of the theory of religious studies. The essence and main components of religion are revealed: (1) Faith in the supernatural power and (2) human actions that have the goal of using this force or affect it (cult). Objective reasons that generate religion are revealed: in the primitive era - dominance over a man of blind, unknown forces of nature; In the era of civilized society - the power of the blind necessity of social development, which is manifested primarily in the existence of class oppression.

The development of religion was natural. In primitiveness, after magic, such forms of religion as omenalism, fetishism, emanism, demonism (animism) and politicalism appeared. In a civilized society there was a tendency to develop politicalism into monotheism. But this was not the main thing. In this society, religion has become an important means with the help of which the prevailing classes kept the exploited lower classes in obedience.

Early religions of a class society demanded from the workers of the submissive ministry, threatening to encroach on the existing orders of heavenly punishment. These are service religions. In late religions, ideas of supernatural salvation from evil and restoration in the next world, violated in the earthly world, appeared. Such religions are called soteriological.

The book discusses the relationship between religion and such people who arose in the primitive phenomena of spiritual life as totemism and mythology. The last chapter is devoted to the emergence and role of the theology (theology) and religious philosophy closely related to the religion of theology.