Natural religion

Natural Religion

An idea that started during the Enlightenment which claimed there was an underlying religious sense, or core values, to all religions.

Herbert of Cherbury (1583-1648) on natural religion:

Five doctrines essential to all religions:

1: There is a supreme being

2: He ought to be worshiped

3: Virtue and piety are the essential core of religion

4: Vices and crimes are expiated by repentance

5: Divine rewards and punishments in both this world and the next