Atheism/the first religion

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Expert: - 12/16/2008


Question
What was the first religion?

Answer
There isn't enough information to know what the "first" religion is. However:

Neanderthals buries their dead, the first hominids to do so (that we know of). They were not just dumped in a pit to eliminate the smell, but carefully arranged into particular resting positions. Some were buried with flowers. This indicates rituals and perhaps a concern with the dead, which in turn suggests beliefs about some sort of afterlife. This would probably have been part of a religion.

Early homo sapiens did the same; later homo sapiens (after they stopped just being migrating bands) buried their dead with tools and jewelry, which is a much stronger indication of belief in an afterlife and religion.

Atheism

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Austin Cline

Expertise

I can address questions regarding atheism, agnosticism, skepticism, humanism, religious philosophy & history, and arguments both for and against theism. I am also familiar with many of the skeptical and atheist resources in print and on the internet.

Experience

I have been an atheist and a secular humanist for many years. I actively run a site about agnosticism & atheism and attempt to help people understand more about these topics. I have made extensive study of both philosophy and of a wide vareity of religions.

Organizations
I belong to the Freedom From Religion Foundation and the Council for Secular Humanism.

Publications
My writings appear every week on the Agnosticism/Atheism site

Education/Credentials
I have a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and an MA from Princeton University. I have also studied in Germany and Switzerland.

Awards and Honors
Phi Beta Kappa and a Fulbright Scholar.

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