From abstraction to soul to religion to art

[devonin]

I tend to think that religion found its roots in a much more mundane and sociological origin than the extension of beliefs of immortality through creation of a soul concept.

Anthropologically isn't the theory on the creation of worship-based religious institutions usually presented as an attempt by chiefs, and wise men in prehistoric eras to attempt to explain natural phenomena that were beyond the ability of science at the time to explain? If the random peons go to you and ask you why lightning burned down that hut, saying "I have no idea" is a good way to lose your power and authority, and if you have set yourself up (as many tribal leaders did/do historically) as being a universal authority on all matters, you generally had to come up with some explanation as to cause, and this would almost inexorably lead to a belief in some greater being with the power to do as it willed, and thus would behoove you to appease it?

The general thrust of your post is really interesting regardless, especially with respect to the means in which religion, and artistic expression of religious ideas and ideals reflects the zeitgeist of the era, along with conceptions of what is beautiful at the time, and a desire of the people to try and make concrete concepts that are necessarily abstract.

I'm reminded of the use of halos, and visible hearts on humans in christian artworks as a means of displaying soul, and ones status within the faith...Really interesting stuff, good post.