Cultural Epochs of Human History and their Basic Religious Patterns The acquisition of the basics of life shaped the cultural epochs of human history - also shaped the respective ideas of religion and God. (Compilation by Manfred Hanglberger) Link to share: https://hanglberger-manfred.de/en-kultur-epochen.htm HOME
		Level of the Culture	The Ideas of God reflect people's needs for life support
1.		Hunters and gatherers (99% of the history of mankind)	>> Hunting magic: Supplications for a successful hunt. >> Supplication to protect against the dangers of hunting. >> Pray for protection from the souls of the killed animals. >> Sacred Groves (Forest Glades, Hills)
2.		Migratory shepherds (nomadic culture) Achievements: Animal breeding, Living in tents, Not sedentary, No possession of land, Struggle for good pastures and places for  water	>> Supplicating the fertility of the animals    (Sacrifice of the Firstborn) >> Supplication of protection against diseases and epidemics >> Sacrificial altars in the open air
3.		Farmers Achievements: farming, tillage, Seed care: stockpiling, irrigation, Building houses and stables for animals. Sedentariness: A new understanding of ownership, Possession of land: land surveying (>> Geometry!)	>> Prayer for favourable weather ("Rain God") >> for the return of the seasons (Feast of sowing and thanksgiving for the harvest) >> for favorable growth,    (protection from disease and vermin - e.g. from locusts). >> Blessings for stable and domestic animals >> House altars >> Wealth is a sign of God's grace
4.		Town planners, craftsmen, traders, civil servants Sedentariness: diversity of craftsmen Development of storage and warehousing, transport and trade, Walls to protect the community: urban development, monetary economy, Administration: "kings" and civil servants, Great empires arise, armies of mercenaries	>> City gods are supposed to protect own city community. >> Gods of war ("Lord of Armies"): Pray for victory in battle. >> Gaining power (political and military success) is a sign of divine support. >> On the other hand, the prophets of Israel: Success through solidarity, fair social order, cohesion among the people are signs of divine support.!
5.		Industrial age, Workers, Factories, Technologies Achievements: steam engine, electric motor, internal combustion engines, Mass production through machines, railways, cars, aeroplanes, astronautics, ... >>> Prosperity for all! Population explosion, Imperialism: Colonialism World economy leads to social problems in the world: Exploitation of weaker peoples, slum formation, refugee flows from poor to rich countries.	Battle of the Church >> Against natural scientific findings (to save the old Bible  vision of the world). >>> Leads to a split between reason and faith! >> Against democracy (to save the hierarchical state church system) >>> Leads to the split between society and religion: The technical and economic world becomes religionless (apparently god-less) >> Counteraction through Catholic social teaching "Discovery" of "subsidiarity" (= recognition and promotion of individual responsibility), but is denied within the Church! (Catholic social teaching alone cannot eliminate the separation between natural and religious experience)
6.		Age of Computers and Information Achievement: Micro-Electronics Radio, television, internet: Information for everyone, basis of democracy! A lifetime of learning and further education: Awareness of a World Community: "The Global Village”. Waste of energy: climate change Digital networking of all areas of life  Decrease in fears of external enemies, of authorities and in securing livelihood: >>> Sense of freedom and demands grow - but not the willingness to take responsibility. >>> Emotional needs and problems grow - but mennal nourishment is not adequately provided. >>> Extreme individualization: Awareness of human dignity, experience of loneliness,		Main sufferings in developed societies - relationship problems: (Prayers, rites and religious morals are often inappropriate for this!) A new evangelisation would be necessary: >>> Intensive dialogue with the natural sciences: >> Develop a contemporary doctrine of faith for this purpose. >>> Intensive dialogue with psychology: >> Develop a contemporary doctrine of faith for this purpose. >>> On the basis of a contemporary doctrine of faith, a contemporary liturgical and prayer language would have to be developed. >>> Subsidiarity must be realized within the church!     >>> To come to terms with the legacy of the church:     Annual "church days of mourning" are to be introduced.
Link to share: https://hanglberger-manfred.de/en-kultur-epochen.htm Translation: Ingeborg Schmutte
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