What is the western perception of primal religions? What do you know about these primitive societies and their beliefs? Let's find the answers by citing those examples (The Elements of World Religions, Liz Flower) which will take us on our road to the sole God: The popular belief is that primal religions are animistic, ancestor-worshipping, sacrificial, fetishistic, ritualistic, shamanistic, superstitious, and polytheistic. But the truth is rather different.
Most of these tribal and primal societies have a very strong social structure. And much of their religion is based on that structure. Dignity in life and death is paramount. Morality is conformation to traditions. Everything has a particular reason, everything has its place. They have a surprising tolerance. Most communities recognize that their belief is theirs, and do not necessarily involve the community next door. There are differences of course. We come across a plurality of beliefs, myths, cosmologies and rituals.
The bottom line is: There is a strong social structure.. Religion is based on that structure.. Dignity is paramount.. Everything has its reason.. Everything has its place.. There is tolerance to other beliefs.. Everything sounds more natural and simpler than today.
Which is better? Today's speculation and ambiguity or their simplicity?
Although there are great differences, the primal religions worldwide have originated from a half dozen basic beliefs. Majority of the primal religions are monotheistic. Surprised? All of them have a fundamental belief in the power of spirits. There is ancestor worship/reverence in the majority of primal religions. A kind of prayer, gifts, and sacrifice exist in most of them. There are also a medicine man and a shaman or a witch doctor. Lastly, majority of these primal religions have celebrations of a new season or a new year.
