Religion, Power, and Illusion

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Anthropologists trace the origins of religion to the Neolithic period, around 12,000 years ago, when humans transitioned from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled communities. By the time of the ancient Egyptians, religion had significantly evolved, transforming spirits of nature into a pantheon of gods, each requiring temples and priests. After Jesus' death, it took an additional three centuries for the Christian god to reach its final form, shaped by bishops grappling with the concept of a triune deity. Religious orthodoxy emerged not from divine inspiration but from the myriad solutions proposed by priests, with bishops distinguishing between orthodoxy and heresy based on the power dynamics involved. Positions that enhanced the bishops' authority were deemed orthodox, while those that threatened it were labeled heretical. As a result, the contemporary understanding of the Christian god is a construct developed over centuries, reinforcing the bishops' power. The text concludes that priestly authority is deeply ingrained in human nature, suggesting that religion is unlikely to fade away. It also critiques the flawed reasoning of religious advocates and addresses what is needed for genuine, non-illusory experiences.