From the very origins of human existence, nature instilled in primitive man a blend of reverence and awe, awakening in him a deep desire to unravel the mysteries of the world.

From Awe to the Divine: The Genesis of Supernatural Belief

From the very origins of human existence, nature instilled in primitive man a blend of reverence and awe, awakening in him a deep desire to unravel the mysteries of the world. In the absence of scientific instruments, the mind sought explanations for the inexplicable, and every powerful phenomenon—whether a raging wind, lightning, or fire—was perceived as a message from other, unseen realms. Thus, the belief in forces beyond the ordinary was born, providing primitive man with the energy and drive to approach the divine. This dynamic need not only to explain the unexplainable but also to seize control over the elements became the foundation for the earliest religious conceptions of the world. Over time, the idea of submitting to nature evolved into a quest for higher authority and eternal dominion, reflecting the inseparable bond between the inexplicable and human ambition. Ultimately, this ancient belief, born from the attempts to comprehend the surrounding environment, became the powerful spark that illuminated mankind’s journey toward self-determination and spiritual perfection.

How did the belief in supernatural forces arise in humanity about 10,000 years ago?

The belief in supernatural forces among primitive people emerged as a natural reaction to their perception of the world, where natural phenomena evoked both awe and reverence toward the unknown. Lacking modern tools for understanding, the first humans interpreted natural forces as manifestations of something beyond ordinary comprehension. They experienced these forces as supernatural and sought to subjugate them, essentially desiring to approach the divine and gain control over the surrounding world.

This worldview reflects the idea that belief in the supernatural is as ancient as humanity itself—rooted in the profound emotional and cultural needs of early man. As noted in one source:
"Nevertheless, primitive man almost surely believed in things that would have stirred us if we believed in them, and it is therefore quite likely that the awe of the transcendent is as old as humanity itself." (source: link txt, page: 56)

It is further emphasized that, even at the earliest stages of existence, man relied on natural forces, perceiving them as supernatural:
"However, from the very first steps of his existence, he preferred to rely on the forces dispersed in nature, which he perceived as supernatural. Moreover, people wanted to subjugate these forces, 'to be like gods,' in order to achieve external dominion over the surrounding world independent of the Creator. This worldview can be considered a direct consequence of that spiritual malady commonly known as the original sin of humanity. The world heard the Gospel in 'the last days'—that is, at the end of this immeasurable period; which means that throughout its duration, humankind was not yet ready to meet the Incarnate face to face." (source: link txt, page: 34)

Thus, the belief in the supernatural arose as a means to explain and comprehend those inexplicable forces that mankind encountered, as well as a desire to harness the mighty natural phenomena through subjugation and deification.

Supporting citation(s):
"Nevertheless, primitive man almost surely believed in things that would have stirred us if we believed in them, and it is therefore quite likely that the awe of the transcendent is as old as humanity itself." (source: link txt, page: 56)

"However, from the very first steps of his existence, he preferred to rely on the forces dispersed in nature, which he perceived as supernatural. Moreover, people wanted to subjugate these forces, 'to be like gods,' in order to achieve external dominion over the surrounding world independent of the Creator. This worldview can be considered a direct consequence of that spiritual malady commonly known as the original sin of humanity. The world heard the Gospel in 'the last days'—that is, at the end of this immeasurable period; which means that throughout its duration, humankind was not yet ready to meet the Incarnate face to face." (source: link txt, page: 34)