Abstract
Guy Swanson's classic study The Birth of the Gods provides a general theory and set of hypotheses about the origins of religious beliefs that have found wide acceptance in the sociological and anthropological study of religion. Although these hypotheses seem both logical and persuasive, the cross-cultural methods Swanson used to evaluate them seem less compelling. This article examines Swanson's sample and methodology, and, through a replication employing a sample of 72 native North American societies, finds several significant problems in Swanson's work. However, the rep lication also demonstrates that, despite methodological problems, Swanson's hypothesis concerning beliefs in a high god are sup ported. The implications of this partial replication, both for our interpretation of Swanson's work and for our understanding of the origins of religious beliefs, are explored.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
