1.) A.) Name and discuss some of the major theories about the origin of religion. There are several theories about the origin of religion. The first theory on the origin of religion is the animistic theory, theorized by Herbert Spencer. Animist theory theorizes that the gods of primitive people were founded on the dreams of the recently deceased. The theory basically means that primitive people believed that visions of another world existed in dreams; and they believed that their leaders and heroes left after death. While this theory has a ring of truth, the leap into believing that another world exists because of a dream seems drastic. This theory was later expanded. Another theory of the origin of religion is the theory of nature worship. The theory of nature worship is that primitive peoples saw the wonderful world around them and decided to make it their own. To personalize their world, they named the things they saw, and as time passed, their actions became myths, which eventually founded religions. This theory seems to give too much credence to primitive people, and so I don't believe it. The theory of the third origin of religion is the theory of original monotheism. Original monotheism states that the most ancient cultures had a basic knowledge and understanding of one true supreme God. The theory further states that this High God contained many values ​​and strengths of other cultures' version of a High God. This theory is obviously based on a Christian mentality. The theory of magic states that primitive culture tried to control the world with magic, but when that failed, they developed religion as a replacement. This theory seems to go too far and is bordering on the mystical in its presentation. The theory... at the heart of the paper... culturally as it is for Jews and Muslims around the world. Female circumcision was also a very real practice, but has been curtailed due to modern education. There is no real reason for this practice, and the fact that it can pose serious risks makes me wonder why it is still around. Young men and women are considered younger adults than in America and are held to higher standards. Maybe it's because they need to grow up first to survive in a very poor environment. These puberty rituals are important to African culture and may have developed due to contact with Christians. Virgins are highly valued after they have gone through puberty, this is a Christian value and Africans could have drawn that value from them. Surprisingly, however, the wedding ritual lacks the Christian ceremony and is more of a contract..