History of the concept of religion Religious violence

religion modern western concept. concept of religion not found anywhere before 1500s. furthermore, parallel concepts not found in many cultures , there no equivalent term religion in many languages. scholars have found difficult develop consistent definition, giving on possibility of definition , others rejecting term entirely. others argue regardless of definition, not appropriate apply non-western cultures.

the modern concept of religion abstraction entails distinct sets of beliefs or doctrines recent invention in english language since such usage began texts 17th century due splitting of christendom during protestant reformation , more prevalent colonization or globalization in age of exploration involved contact numerous foreign , indigenous cultures non-european languages.

ancient sacred texts bible , quran did not have concept of religion in original languages , neither did authors or cultures belonged. in 19th century terms buddhism , hinduism , taoism , , confucianism first emerged.

there no precise equivalent of religion in hebrew, , judaism not draw clear distinctions between religious, national, racial, or ethnic identities.