Abstract:
The question to the origin of religion is as old as the concept of religion itself. To understand
religion, it helps to understand the categories of definitions for religion. There are several
theories as to the evolutionary development of religion. Examples from Turkey as well as
South Africa are used to illustrate that one model of explanation cannot be applied to all.
This article wants to stress the importance of context when explaining the origin of religion.
Each and every occurrence of religion has its own contextual explanation. What is however
important is to recognise the universal human ability to recognise, accept and transfer religious
concepts. This principle is illustrated by making use of the model of cognition in combination
with other models.
