The myriad of religions practiced throughout history reveal how man’s perception of God has evolved to adapt to his changing world. His characterization of God differs with each successive society.  Various views of gods and the evolution of religious beliefs have paralleled the development of civilized man, from early primordial man’s image of fierce animal-like gods to modern man’s image of an omniscient, jealous God. Most of the beliefs, stories, and rituals taught today by popular religions have their roots in customs that originated very long ago. The driving factors behind people’s willingness to follow priests, priestesses, shamen, and medicine men thousands of years ago still hold true for most of today’s religious believers. Thus, by closely studying the ancient roots of religious cultures, the psycho pathological and sociological forces behind modern day religions may be revealed. The days when gods and goddesses ruled the temples of Mesopotamia andEgyptare not so far distant, if the period of time between then and now is kept in perspective.