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It was the Scottish anthropologist Andrew Lang who first proposed the idea of a high god that he believed existed among some of the simplest of contemporary tribes. The noted anthropologist Wilhelm Schmidt accepted and defended that hypothesis, which he no doubt felt was in line with his beliefs as a Catholic priest.

Wikipedia explains that primitive monotheism, "the hypothesis of a monotheistic 'Urreligion' from which non-monotheistic religions degenerated, is diametrically opposed to the evolutionary view of religion, another hypothesis which holds that religion progressed from simple forms to complex: first preanimism, then animism, totemism, polytheism and finally monotheism."

Schmidt's hypothesis of primitive monotheism was debated during much of the first half of the twentieth century, after which the hypothesis was rejected by academics. Most anthropologists have abandoned all evolutionary schemes like those of Schmidt and Pettazoni, for the historical development of religion, saying that they have also found monotheistic beliefs existing alongside other religious beliefs.

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Which sociologist wrote that religions often drug the masses into submission by offering a consolation for their harsh lives on earth and the hope of salvation in an ideal afterlife?

Karl Marx, a renowned sociologist and philosopher, proposed this perspective on religion in his critique of capitalist society. Marx argued that religion can serve as an opiate that pacifies the working class by diverting attention away from their current suffering and offering promises of rewards in the afterlife.


Who proposed the idea involving a distinction between the spiritual mind and the physical body?

René Descartes proposed the idea of a distinction between the spiritual mind and the physical body in his work "Meditations on First Philosophy". He argued that the mind and body are separate entities, with the mind being immaterial and capable of existing independently of the body.


What is the earliest book written in the New Testament?

Galatians, written around 48-49 A.D. by Paul, is widely considered the earliest book of the New Testament. Also, Thessalonians 1, written by Paul around 50 A.D. is considered to be one of the earliest books of the New Testament (and some scholars consider it to be the earliest).Paul's letters are likely the earliest writings included in the New Testament.The synoptic gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke are considered to have been written shortly after 70 A.D. when the Jewish Temple was destroyed by the Romans. Mark is considered by many to have been written first with Matthew and Luke expanding upon his work, although a few scholars agree with Christian tradition which places Matthew as the first gospel written.Revelations is most likely the last book of the New Testament, not only in terms of the order in which it appears, but also in terms of its proposed dating.AnswerGalatians was the earliest book, written in 49AD.Order of Books written in New TestamentGalatians 49ADJames 50Thessalonians 51; 52Corinthinians 55; 57Romans 57Matthew late 50's -early 60'sMark late 50's -early 60'sLuke 60-61Ephesians 61Colossians 61Philemon 61Phili[ppians 62Acts 631 Timothy 63Hebrews 64John 65Titus 651, 2, 3, John 651 Peter 652 Timothy 672 Peter 67Jude 68(last] Revelation 70Above are definite dates taken from "The Untold Story of the New Tstament Church" by Frank ViolaISBN 0-7684-2236-1. [The book is presently unavailable for downloading].


What is metapsychosis?

Metapsychosis is a term used in psychology to refer to the theoretical system of psychology proposed by Sigmund Freud. It encompasses the dynamic structure and functioning of the mind, including concepts such as the id, ego, and superego, as well as defense mechanisms and the unconscious mind.


What year did Sir Edward Taylor find animism?

Sir Edward Taylor first outlined the concept of animism in his book "Primitive Culture" published in 1871. He described animism as the belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence.

Related Questions

Who proposed the principle of original horizontal superposition and original continuity?

nicholas steno


Who proposed the Principles of Original Horizontally Superposition and Original Continuity?

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Who proposed the original periodic table?

Dmitri Mendeleev


Who proposed the original resolution of the declaration of independence?

Richard Henry Lee


How many of the original proposed changes to the constitution were approved by the state?

(ten)


Whose Atomic theory states that atoms are featureless and solid?

That was the earliest version of atomic theory, proposed by the Greek philosopher Democritus.Democritus


Which Founding Father was displeased when the bald eagle was chosen over his proposed original native turkey as a national symbol?

Benjamin Franklin. He was the one who originally proposed the turkey.


What state was brigham young proposed to in 1850 in the US?

The original state proposed was called Deseret. It covered a much larger area than the modern state of Utah.


What form was the earliest religion in India?

The first established religion in India is Hinduism. The second came hundreds of years later which is Buddhism which was proposed by Ghandi.


What has the author Ernest Armine Wodehouse written?

Ernest Armine Wodehouse has written: 'A world expectant' -- subject(s): Religions (Proposed, universal, etc.)


Who proposed the Principles of Original Horizontality Superposition and Original Continuity?

The principles of Original Horizontality, Superposition, and Continuity were proposed by Nicolas Steno, a Danish scientist and bishop who is considered one of the founding fathers of modern geology. Steno's work laid the foundation for understanding the principles of stratigraphy and interpreting the Earth's history through rock layers.


What is the Act of Toleration in Maryland and what did it provide can you give an example?

The Act of Toleration provided religious tolerance for all Catholic colonists and other religions who believed in the divinity of Christ in colonial Maryland. This DID NOT extend to other religions. Also it gave Anglicans religious freedom and it was proposed by Lord Baltimore.