ns of religion are a mystery. Although archeologists, philosophers, scientists, and theologians have tried to explain themùall from different and largely conflicting vantage points, they defy explanation. Durkheim realized that ôthe search for the origins of religion, an absolute first beginning, must be dismissed as unachievable for ælike any human situation, religion begins nowhereÆö (Insoll, 45).
The functions of religion are easier to identify. It helps people of every background and social class face the challenges and problems of life; acts as a tool for explaining things the people do not understand in terms that they can relate to from the physical world; provides answers to the questions all people ask, such as, ôWhy am I here?ö and ôWhere do I go when I die?ö; gives us a means o
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