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Introduction
The anthropological studies of religion show that individuals use religion to serve
different purposes, but they rarely note that these functions are different in some cultures. These
religions involve both cosmological and transcendental which vary in their beliefs and practices.
The transcendental religions view the existence of the universe as strong evidence for Gods
presence. This religion assumes a Supreme God created the universe and that he still maintains
its existence. Cosmology, on the contrary, is highly individualistic in both character and
philosophical outlook and they resist any common doctrinal stance. While transcendentalists
power from the natural world. The essay will compare between two cosmological religions
which include, archaic religion and the primitive religion as well as one transcendentalist religion
It is evident that the two religions share most of the aspects and barely differ in any way.
However, some modifications took place after the primal religion gave way to the archaic aimed
The two cosmological religions which involve the archaic and the primal religions are
similar in that they practice traditional practices that are divinely instituted in the cosmic order.
Both religions adore the aspect of nature where they ensure that they are always in harmony with
it because nature is their ultimate power (Bella, 2011). The two religions confirm success
through holding proper relations with nature as well as the social order maintained by individuals
COSMOLOGICAL AND TRANSCENDENTAL RELIGIONS 2
in the society. Both religions indulge in rituals that uphold the natural aspects. The primal
religion is similar to the archaic religion because they believe in religious specialists who shows
great care to the sacred realm of nature and perform the rituals. The religious figure was believed
to carry out the rituals that were required for the good of the society as well as guide the people
cosmological religions reject the power of supernatural powers and believe that every natural
aspect has a place, but Christians believe in miracles and a supreme God. As Christians focus
their prayers on God, the cosmological religions believe in objectifying the mythical beings that
humans must deal with in a definite manner that makes them resemble gods. Instead of praying
to supreme powers, they offer rituals to nature and call on spirits of concepts of nature such as
animals. Cosmological religions do not believe that God is their creator but trust that the world
operates under natural power since they believe that gods are an issue of speculation (Bella,
2011). Another difference that exists between the cosmological and the transcendental religion is
that, while Christians religions believe that life is a precious gift from God to humans, the
cosmological religions believe that human life is not worth since it is a temporary existence.
Although they hold differing beliefs, they all have a set day of worship and celebrate their
religious events.
Disenchantment is a concept that occurs after science and enlightenment have eroded
both religion and superstitions (Walsham, 2008). That aspect leads to transparency about the
world and does away with the myths and rituals. Disenchantment eliminates the theological and
supernatural attributes of the world involving rituals through supernatural powers. The
superstitions, they belong to a religion that carries practices that may involve some traditional
rituals. Another reason why the cosmological religions do not support disenchantment is that
they are tied to the primitive religious practices while disenchantment uses enlightened reasoning
and applies facts. Disenchantment acknowledges modernization that displaces the religion and its
practices which may be involved with superior powers. These cosmological, religious beliefs
Three definitions of religion that fit this topic are: First, it can be defined as an ultimate
concern that qualifies all other aspects and offers an answer to the question of the meaning of
life. That definition is not based on any beliefs but will also give room for scientific research on
understanding life. Secondly, religion can be described as a system of beliefs and practices by
means of which a group of people struggles with the ultimate problem of life (Forbes & Mahan,
2005). Another definition of religion that fits in this topic asserts that religion is an explanation
Conclusion
Different religions are similar and vary in various ways with some believing in
supernatural powers while others base their argument on scientific facts. Transcendental religions
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rely on myths and superstitions while the cosmological religions believe in natural aspects more
than supernatural powers. Archaic and primitive religions share some of the factors but differ in
several factors, but the two vary from Christianity. Over time, people have been enlightened, and
science is taking over these mythical beliefs replacing them with facts.
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References
Forbes, B. D., & Mahan, J. H. (2005). Religion and popular culture in America. Berkeley:
Walshan A. (2008). The Reformation And The Disenchantment Of The World Reassessed.
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