02180cam a22003013u 4500 29893 UtSlPG 20260610133700.0 m cr n 260607r2009||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 BL Menzies, Allan, 1845-1916 History of Religion : A Sketch of Primitive Religious Beliefs and Practices, and of the Origin and Character of the Great Systems Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2009 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2009-09-02 E-text prepared by Ron Swanson "History of Religion" by Allan Menzies is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book examines the development of religious beliefs from primitive roots to major world religions, emphasizing the comparative aspects and continuity in religious evolution. Menzies seeks to present religion as an organic whole and explores the origins, practices, and transformations of various belief systems throughout history. At the start of the text, the author introduces the concept of studying the history of religion as a new scientific field, drawing connections between contemporary religions and primitive beliefs. He asserts that all civilizations have descendants of a savage state, leading to a universal nature of early religious practices and beliefs. The opening portion delves into the components that constitute the essence of religion, touching upon worship, belief in higher powers, and the progression from primitive forms of worship, such as nature-worship and ancestor-worship, to more structured religions. The author proposes that understanding these aspects is essential to grasp the evolution of religious expression and practice through history. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Religions https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/29893 70741 70741