Paleolithic Art and Religion

Every form of religion has a component of community. There's the individualistic part of it, but that's not always defined as religion, but spirituality. I think the primary element of religion is a feeling of belonging, of connection to each other. We feel like we are connected to other people, to nature, to all of life and the universe, but don't quite know how to explain that. In the reading on Paleolithic Art and Religion, group activities were mentioned and the sense of connecting with nature and the netherworld. People could have done that individually in actuality, but for some reason, the idea that some rituals must occur in groups comes about and has existed ever since. The images painted in the caves and the ritual meanings themselves are obviously important and have some significance. But I think that religion in it's basic form comes about from a need to belong and be connected with people in the community. It is a way to be involved that gets everyone working together and brings people closer by sharing beliefs. From there comes the meaning associated with rituals and material objects and all the other elements that are associated with religion.