Love

J00597119

History 101-17

Religion and Civilization

Religion plays an extremely large role in society today. It in so many ways describes a culture and different aspects of that particular culture. Back in the days of the first civilizations, religion was just as important. It symbolized what different civilizations stood for and what they believed in. By examining the relationship held between gods and humans, morality and, beliefs of an afterlife, it is evident that idea of being apart of religion was prevalent in those days.

Mesopotamia is said to be the home one of the very first civilizations.[1] The people of ancient Mesopotamia viewed the gods as being wicked and believed that they purposely created a harsh environment for them to live in. It was the humans’ duty to do what the gods asked of them and serve them. [2] It was safe to say that the people of ancient Mesopotamia feared the gods. Despite the fear instilled in the hearts of the people, they never ceased to worship the gods. Temples were created as the residence of gods. [3] The Hammarurabi, which was a law system, aided in the process of what needed to be done in order to please gods. [4] This law reflected the social divisions that were apparent in society. The higher one’s social stature, the less threatening their punishment would be. The people of Mesopotamia’s concept of an afterlife can be considered somewhat vague. They believed that disobedience to the law of the gods would ultimately result in one’s going to Hell. [5]

In Egypt, the gods not only had power over their people, they controlled the environment. Everything involving nature was done on a particular schedule to guarantee an abundant harvest.[6] It seemed as though the gods “worked” for their people. The Egyptian people believed in an afterlife and prepared for it. These people took death very seriously. Preparing for the afterlife included mummifying.[7] The elite social...