Final answer:
The division between advanced and primitive religions emerged from societal changes ushered in by agriculture, leading to complex religious structures and the rise of religious elites. Cultural divergence created a variety of religious systems, with Hinduism developing an intricate caste system and religions like Buddhism and Jainism advocating for spiritual equality. This evolution eventually gave rise to conflicts based on differing supernatural beliefs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of Agricultural on Religion
The division between advanced and primitive religions resulted from the transformative shifts in human society following the advent of agriculture. As societies evolved from hunter-gatherers to agricultural-based communities, their religious practices also became more complex. The division of labor created specialized roles, including a defined priestly class, who derived their authority from interpreting the supernatural world and effectively controlled resources for religious purposes. Pre-agricultural animism, with spirituality found in ordinary things, gave way to religions focusing on deities influencing agricultural fertility and the cycles of life.
Religious Elaboration saw increased complexity in belief systems. Hinduism, for example, developed intricate rituals and a multitude of gods. Different sects within these religions showed varying degrees of tolerance towards one another. Similarly, Christianity, initially based on the simpler teachings of Jesus, grew into a religion with complex theological frameworks and rituals.
The emergence of religion was a universal feature of early human culture, with hunter-gatherer societies holding beliefs in a spiritual dimension. This inherent aspect of human societies later became more structured, with religions such as Hinduism evolving complex class systems like the caste system, which was justified through religious means.
Cultural and Religious Divergence
Cultural divergence led to the development of different religious systems and languages around the world. On the plains of the Ganges River, the social classes were stratified into janapadas, with religions like Buddhism and Jainism emerging in opposition to the rigid caste society. Over time, religious thought in India bifurcated, with one tradition leading to Hinduism, emphasizing rituals and sacrifices, and another favoring individual spiritual development through practices like yoga and meditation.
Throughout history, conflicts often arose between groups with different beliefs about the supernatural. These violent conflicts, however, did not deter the development of rich and diverse religious traditions, which were integrally tied to the evolution of early farming and urban societies.