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90:3.1 Since [[ancient]] man regarded himself and his [[material]] [[environment]] as being directly [[responsive]] to the whims of the [[ghosts]] and the fancies of the spirits, it is not strange that his [[religion]] should have been so exclusively concerned with [[material]] affairs. [[Modern]] man [[attacks]] his [[material]] [[problems]] directly; he recognizes that [[matter]] is [[responsive]] to the [[intelligent]] [[manipulation]] of [[mind]]. [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN Primitive man] likewise [[desired]] to [[modify]] and even to [[control]] the life and [[energies]] of the physical [[domains]]; and since his limited [[comprehension]] of the [[cosmos]] led him to the [[belief]] that [[ghosts]], spirits, and gods were personally and [[immediately]] concerned with the detailed [[control]] of life and [[matter]], he [[logically]] directed his efforts to winning the [[favor]] and support of these [[superhuman]] [[agencies]].

90:3.1 Since [[ancient]] man regarded himself and his [[material]] [[environment]] as being directly [[responsive]] to the whims of the [[ghosts]] and the fancies of the spirits, it is not strange that his [[religion]] should have been so exclusively concerned with [[material]] affairs. [[Modern]] man [[attacks]] his [[material]] [[problems]] directly; he recognizes that [[matter]] is [[responsive]] to the [[intelligent]] [[manipulation]] of [[mind]]. [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN Primitive man] likewise [[desired]] to [[modify]] and even to [[control]] the life and [[energies]] of the physical [[domains]]; and since his limited [[comprehension]] of the [[cosmos]] led him to the [[belief]] that [[ghosts]], spirits, and gods were personally and [[immediately]] concerned with the detailed [[control]] of life and [[matter]], he [[logically]] directed his efforts to winning the [[favor]] and support of these [[superhuman]] [[agencies]].

90:3.2 Viewed in this [[light]], much of the inexplicable and irrational in the [[ancient]] [[cults]] is understandable. The [[ceremonies]] of the [[cult]] were [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN primitive man]'s attempt to [[control]] the [[material]] world in which he found himself. And many of his [[efforts]] were directed to the end of prolonging life and insuring [[health]]. Since all [[diseases]] and [[death]] itself were originally regarded as [[spirit]] [[phenomena]], it was [[inevitable]] that the [[shamans]], while functioning as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicine_man medicine men] and [[priests]], should also have labored as [[Physician|doctors]] and surgeons.

90:3.2 Viewed in this [[light]], much of the inexplicable and irrational in the [[ancient]] [[cults]] is understandable. The [[ceremonies]] of the [[cult]] were [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN primitive man]'s attempt to [[control]] the [[material]] world in which he found himself. And many of his [[efforts]] were directed to the end of prolonging life and insuring [[health]]. Since all [[diseases]] and [[death]] itself were originally regarded as [[spirit]] [[phenomena]], it was [[inevitable]] that the [[shamans]], while functioning as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicine_man medicine men] and [[priests]], should also have labored as [[Physician|doctors]] and surgeons.

90:3.3 The [[primitive]] [[mind]] may be [[handicapped]] by lack of [[facts]], but it is for all that [[logical]]. When thoughtful men [[observe]] [[disease]] and [[death]], they set about to determine the [[causes]] of these visitations, and in [[accordance]] with their [[understanding]], the [[shamans]] and the [[scientists]] have propounded the following [[theories]] of affliction:

90:3.3 The [[primitive]] [[mind]] may be [[handicapped]] by lack of [[facts]], but it is for all that [[logical]]. When thoughtful men [[observe]] [[disease]] and [[death]], they set about to determine the [[causes]] of these visitations, and in [[accordance]] with their [[understanding]], the [[shamans]] and the [[scientists]] have propounded the following [[theories]] of affliction:

*1. 90:3.4 1. ''Ghosts''—direct [[spirit]] [[influences]]. The earliest [[hypothesis]] advanced in [[explanation]] of [[disease]] and [[death]] was that spirits caused [[disease]] by enticing the [[soul]] out of the [[body]]; if it failed to return, [[death]] ensued. The [[ancients]] so feared the malevolent [[action]] of disease-producing ghosts that ailing [[individuals]] would often be deserted without even [[food]] or [[water]]. Regardless of the erroneous basis for these [[beliefs]], they did effectively isolate afflicted individuals and prevent the spread of [[contagious]] [[disease]].

*1. 90:3.4 1. ''Ghosts''—direct [[spirit]] [[influences]]. The earliest [[hypothesis]] advanced in [[explanation]] of [[disease]] and [[death]] was that spirits caused [[disease]] by enticing the [[soul]] out of the [[body]]; if it failed to return, [[death]] ensued. The [[ancients]] so feared the malevolent [[action]] of disease-producing ghosts that ailing [[individuals]] would often be deserted without even [[food]] or [[water]]. Regardless of the erroneous basis for these [[beliefs]], they did effectively isolate afflicted individuals and prevent the spread of [[contagious]] [[disease]].

*2. 90:3.5 2. ''Violence''—obvious [[cause]]s. The causes for some [[accidents]] and deaths were so easy to identify that they were early removed from the category of [[ghost]] [[action]]. Fatalities and wounds attendant upon [[war]], [[animal]] combat, and other readily identifiable [[agencies]] were [[considered]] as [[natural]] occurrences. But it was long believed that the spirits were still [[responsible]] for delayed [[healing]] or for the infection of wounds of even " natural " causation. If no observable [[natural]] [[agent]] could be [[discovered]], the spirit [[ghosts]] were still held responsible for [[disease]] and [[death]].

*2. 90:3.5 2. ''Violence''—obvious [[cause]]s. The causes for some [[accidents]] and deaths were so easy to identify that they were early removed from the category of [[ghost]] [[action]]. Fatalities and wounds attendant upon [[war]], [[animal]] combat, and other readily identifiable [[agencies]] were [[considered]] as [[natural]] occurrences. But it was long believed that the spirits were still [[responsible]] for delayed [[healing]] or for the infection of wounds of even " natural " causation. If no observable [[natural]] [[agent]] could be [[discovered]], the spirit [[ghosts]] were still held responsible for [[disease]] and [[death]].

90:3.6 Today, in Africa and elsewhere may be found [[primitive]] peoples who kill someone every time a nonviolent [[death]] occurs. Their [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicine_man medicine men] indicate the [[guilty]] parties. If a [[mother]] dies in [[childbirth]], the [[child]] is immediately strangled—a life for a life.

90:3.6 Today, in Africa and elsewhere may be found [[primitive]] peoples who kill someone every time a nonviolent [[death]] occurs. Their [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicine_man medicine men] indicate the [[guilty]] parties. If a [[mother]] dies in [[childbirth]], the [[child]] is immediately strangled—a life for a life.

*3. 90:3.7 3. ''Magic''—the [[influence]] of enemies. Much sickness was thought to be caused by bewitchment, the [[action]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evil_eye evil eye] and the [[magic]] pointing bow. At one time it was really [[dangerous]] to point a finger at anyone; it is still regarded as ill-mannered to point. In cases of obscure [[disease]] and [[death]] the [[ancients]] would hold a formal inquest, dissect the [[body]], and settle upon some finding as the [[cause]] of death; otherwise the death would be laid to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witchcraft witchcraft], thus necessitating the [[execution]] of the witch responsible therefor. These [[ancient]] coroner's inquests saved many a supposed witch's life. Among some it was believed that a tribesman could die as a result of his own witchcraft, in which [[event]] no one was accused.

*3. 90:3.7 3. ''Magic''—the [[influence]] of enemies. Much sickness was thought to be caused by bewitchment, the [[action]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evil_eye evil eye] and the [[magic]] pointing bow. At one time it was really [[dangerous]] to point a finger at anyone; it is still regarded as ill-mannered to point. In cases of obscure [[disease]] and [[death]] the [[ancients]] would hold a formal inquest, dissect the [[body]], and settle upon some finding as the [[cause]] of death; otherwise the death would be laid to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witchcraft witchcraft], thus necessitating the [[execution]] of the witch responsible therefor. These [[ancient]] coroner's inquests saved many a supposed witch's life. Among some it was believed that a tribesman could die as a result of his own witchcraft, in which [[event]] no one was accused.

*4. 90:3.8 4. ''Sin''—punishment for [[taboo]] violation. In comparatively recent times it has been believed that sickness is a [[punishment]] for [[sin]], [[personal]] or racial. Among peoples traversing this level of [[evolution]] the prevailing [[theory]] is that one cannot be afflicted unless one has violated a [[taboo]]. To regard sickness and suffering as "arrows of the Almighty within them"[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Job#Chapter_.6] is typical of such [[beliefs]]. The [[Chinese]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamians] long regarded disease as the result of the [[action]] of [[evil]] [[demons]], although the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaldea Chaldeans] also looked upon the [[stars]] as the cause of [[suffering]]. This [[theory]] of [[disease]] as a consequence of [[divine]] wrath is still prevalent among many reputedly civilized [[groups]] of Urantians.

*4. 90:3.8 4. ''Sin''—punishment for [[taboo]] violation. In comparatively recent times it has been believed that sickness is a [[punishment]] for [[sin]], [[personal]] or racial. Among peoples traversing this level of [[evolution]] the prevailing [[theory]] is that one cannot be afflicted unless one has violated a [[taboo]]. To regard sickness and suffering as "arrows of the Almighty within them"[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Job#Chapter_.6] is typical of such [[beliefs]]. The [[Chinese]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamians] long regarded disease as the result of the [[action]] of [[evil]] [[demons]], although the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaldea Chaldeans] also looked upon the [[stars]] as the cause of [[suffering]]. This [[theory]] of [[disease]] as a consequence of [[divine]] wrath is still prevalent among many reputedly civilized [[groups]] of Urantians.

*5. 90:3.9 5. ''Natural causation''. [[Mankind]] has been very slow to learn the [[material]] [[secrets]] of the interrelationship of ''cause'' and [[effect]] in the [[physical]] [[domains]] of [[energy]], [[matter]], and life. The ancient [[Greeks]], having preserved the [[traditions]] of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_77#77:5._ADAMSON_AND_RATTA Adamson]' s teachings, were among the first to [[recognize]] that all [[disease]] is the result of [[natural]] [[causes]]. Slowly and certainly the unfolding of a [[scientific]] era is destroying man's age-old [[theories]] of sickness and [[death]]. Fever was one of the first [[human]] ailments to be removed from the category of [[supernatural]] disorders, and progressively the era of [[science]] has broken the fetters of [[ignorance]] which so long imprisoned the [[human]] [[mind]]. An [[understanding]] of old age and [[contagion]] is gradually [[obliterating]] man's [[fear]] of [[ghosts]], spirits, and gods as the [[personal]] perpetrators of [[human]] misery and mortal [[suffering]].

*5. 90:3.9 5. ''Natural causation''. [[Mankind]] has been very slow to learn the [[material]] [[secrets]] of the interrelationship of ''cause'' and [[effect]] in the [[physical]] [[domains]] of [[energy]], [[matter]], and life. The ancient [[Greeks]], having preserved the [[traditions]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_77#77:5._ADAMSON_AND_RATTA Adamson]' s teachings, were among the first to [[recognize]] that all [[disease]] is the result of [[natural]] [[causes]]. Slowly and certainly the unfolding of a [[scientific]] era is destroying man's age-old [[theories]] of sickness and [[death]]. Fever was one of the first [[human]] ailments to be removed from the category of [[supernatural]] disorders, and progressively the era of [[science]] has broken the fetters of [[ignorance]] which so long imprisoned the [[human]] [[mind]]. An [[understanding]] of old age and [[contagion]] is gradually [[obliterating]] man's [[fear]] of [[ghosts]], spirits, and gods as the [[personal]] perpetrators of [[human]] misery and mortal [[suffering]].

90:3.10 [[Evolution]] unerringly [[achieves]] its end: It imbues man with that [[superstitious]] [[fear]] of the [[unknown]] and dread of the [[unseen]] which is the [[scaffolding]] for the [[God]] [[concept]]. And having [[witnessed]] the birth of an advanced [[comprehension]] of [[Deity]], through the co-ordinate [[action]] of [[revelation]], this same [[technique]] of [[evolution]] then unerringly sets in [[motion]] those forces of [[thought]] which will inexorably [[obliterate]] the [[scaffolding]], which has served its [[purpose]].

90:3.10 [[Evolution]] unerringly [[achieves]] its end: It imbues man with that [[superstitious]] [[fear]] of the [[unknown]] and dread of the [[unseen]] which is the [[scaffolding]] for the [[God]] [[concept]]. And having [[witnessed]] the birth of an advanced [[comprehension]] of [[Deity]], through the co-ordinate [[action]] of [[revelation]], this same [[technique]] of [[evolution]] then unerringly sets in [[motion]] those forces of [[thought]] which will inexorably [[obliterate]] the [[scaffolding]], which has served its [[purpose]].

<center>[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_90 Go to Paper 90]</center>

<center>[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_90 Go to Paper 90]</center>

<center>[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents Go to Table of Contents]</center>

<center>[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents Go to Table of Contents]</center>

[[Category:Paper 90 - Shamanism, Medicine Men and Priests]]

[[Category:Paper 90 - Shamanism, Medicine Men and Priests]]