Why were gods important to ancient peoples?

Answer 1

A thorough answer will depend on which ancient people, e.g Greek, Egyptian, Roman? In any case, the ancient gods gave people reasons for unanswered phenomena in nature and gave the people someone to worship and strive to be like and to please. The gods also allowed for societies to grow on the bases of fear of the wrath of the gods and making them unhappy.

To all ancient countries , gods were protectors and providers. They would also bring luck to the people in war, and everyday life. gods could also bring harvest, good fortune and happiness.

Remember that all societies and all individuals within those societies are different and find different individual needs important. You should easily be able to answer this question yourself. Although, we are all different, we still share the commonality of not knowing everything--for instance, what happens after we die--i.e. need for an answer, which usually comes nicely packaged in religious context from your local civilization/ruler/society. I would say that across the board, people from every time and every walk of life feel the need to know where they come from and where they will end up. The vast majority of people are either taught or pick a belief system that eases, or for the "truly" faithful (hmm), answers that need to know. So simply ask why or why not is the particular god you were taught to believe in important to you. Your answer is the answer

Answer 2

The Ancient Greeks did not know much about the Earth. They developed deities that were personifications of worldly things to provide answers to things beyond their knowledge. Also the Greek gods embodied specific emotions and characteristics, making them somewhat imperfect. For example, Poseidon embodied anger and aggression, and could hold quite a grudge. Zeus embodied hospitality, but was often prone to jealousy and lust.

Answer 3

Because back then they didn't know much about the sun, moon, evil, and good so they thought they were different kinds of gods. And if they didn't make up these gods we wouldn't have many things like calanders and so on. Because back then they didn't know much about the sun, moon, evil, and good so they thought they were different kinds of gods. And if they didn't make up these gods we wouldn't have many things like calanders and so on.

Answer 4

It was probably because religion gave people meaning to their lives and explanations for questions they couldn't answer. Religion was a way of life back then, something we take for granted now.

Answer 5

People have a tendency to imagine that gods are very much like people only more powerful. People are egocentric, we easily tend to think that the universe is about us. Even the gods are a kind of magnified reflection of ourselves. When we consider human society, we find that people have specialties. No single person does everything. People tend to be good at some things but not at everything. So if gods are like people, then they too have specialties. So you would have a god in charge of crops, and a god in charge of war, and a god in charge of weather, and so forth. That is how people would organize things, so it seemed that gods would do the same. The idea of one God being in charge of everything was a radical step, in the direction of a deity who is less human, although it should be noted that even in monotheistic Judaism, it is still said in the book of Genesis that man was created in God's image. So some similarity is still asserted.

Answer 6

Religion helps explain why we are here and helps people make sense of the world. It provides hope for divine intervention in time of war, as well as protection against petty criminals. Gods can assure good harvests and prosperity. Some gods can even tell us about our future and allow us to plan accordingly.

Answer 7

The events of the Creation (and later, the Flood) were so recent and compelling, that people all over the world understood the central importance of belief and worship in our lives. Gradually, this understanding diminished.

Answer 8

The ancient people invented gods and goddesses to help and protect them.

Answer 9

They were believed by many to influence human activity and outcomes, as is the case today.

Answer 10

The Greek gods and goddesses inspired literature, drama, art, and architecture.