can a religion develop without it evolving?

Question

are religions subject to change ,if not should they be and if they are does this interfere with the fundamental teachings present at their origins

Answer 1

Religions usually start out of a sincere effort of man to find God. But as time passes, opinions can change about little things so much that different versions of the original is possible. It really depends on the basic foundation and how it is laid. Some religions have not changed at all, or very little, over time. Some religion was created by God, which gives it strength. Other religion was created by man only.

What is most important is that man be devoted to a relationship with God, not a man made religion. If he is off the path, so to speak, but sincere and seeking God, God will find him and direct his path and get him back on track.

Answer 2

I think that religions evolve with or without that being the purpose. I think that change can be for the good or the bad, but it depends who is affecting that change. Take for example Christianity: It began as an evolution of Judaism based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Soon after it became so intermingled with the politics of the Roman Empire that it is impossible to determine what is original and what was added/removed to support the Roman agenda. This I feel was not a good change. But in the last century or so many other changes have been made in different sects of Christianity, so that people with more modern views can use the teachings and moral arguments, but leave aside the rules that to them seem unnecessary. Take the United Church, in which the congregation makes the call as to whether or not to allow gay marriages. So basically over time it has come that very few people practise Christianity as Jesus taught it, but many more are spiritually fulfilled by it none the less.

Answer 3

Some may argue that religion does not change; it is only the search for the Truth by believers that causes new revelations.
Revelations do not represent change in the Truth but rather change in the believer's relationship to the Truth. The Truth is unchanging. Thus if a Christian says X is true and a Muslim says X is false, then we must come to the conclusion that either one of the religions is false, or we can simply say the complete Truth has not been completely revealed to that religion. But a religion without the complete Truth is heresy.

Answer 4

Of course religions have to evolve and change to take into account the evolution (improvement?) of man's moral values. The problem is that all religions are based on the fundamental absolute belief that they are the word of God, and therefore eternally true.

Look at the old testament which is nearly as cruel and barbaric as the Koran. It has either to be thoroughly expurgated or left out of the Bible completely. But who can do it? Can we hope for another Henry the 8th?

Answer 5

They can develop without evolving but won't stay around unless they do. Prophets tell you of your inner workings using the best symbolism they have at the time. To hold on to that past and not realize that fact keeps our current religions in the dark ages.

Look into the Roscrucians. They are one of the few who have evolved their teachings.

Answer 6

No. Religion has to evolve with an evolving society. Peoples thoughts and views change with times. Religion also has to evolve or become extinct.

Answer 7

If a religion does not evolve it stagnates and either disappears (how many Shakers are left?) or becomes so riddled with fundamentalists that they seem out of step with the rest of us. In some cases they create their own ghetto (the Amish) and don't deal with society much or try to change everyone else (Muslims), sometimes violently (suicide bombers).

Answer 8

all religion and all monetary systems mirror themselves.

“As in hope of going to heaven and in hopes of getting rich and live in luxury”.
Amazingly both were created from nothing by the hierarchy to enslave the people to create their vision of what the world should be.

It’s all an illusion to attract the victims, everyone must remember that the great illusion was created way before Mosses was even born.
So my answer is yes

Answer 9

show me a religion that has not evolved and changed with the people and I will answer yes.

Answer 10

Religion is resistance to change. Only your beliefs can evolve.