Religion is not a date or a time. It is a continual evolution from one set of beliefs to another. As populations moved, their mystical beliefs mixed and intermingled with other populations to create new sets of mystical beliefs. Zoroastrianism was the first monotheistic religion. In the stories of the Zoroasters religion, there was an epic flood, drowning every person but two. Sound familiar? Keep in mind this was 6,000 years before Judiasm adopted the story, and even longer before Christianity and Islam adopted the story, along with the idea of monotheism the shared beliefs in pagan roots is the foundation of modern day religion. The concept of Armageddon, and the concept of Ragnarok from Nordic and German mythology. The concept of Hell, taken from the Norse god Hel, and the concept of satan from the mythological god Loki (ruler of the underworld). All are the roots from which Christianity, Judiasm, and Islam branched.
To accept a modern day religion, is to accept Paganism. Christianity, Judiasm, Islam, Hinduism, are all modern day mythology. And they continue to evolve. The church, after the persecution of thousands of people, finally admitted that the world is, in fact round. And evolved its own base of beliefs to compensate this new "technicality." The church (after persecuting thousands of people) finally admitted that our earth is not the center of the universe. And evolved its own base of beliefs to compensate this new "technicality." Upon the disection of the first human, no sole was found. Again, the church evolved its ideology, concluding that a soul must be invisible.
It is the ultimate irony. The church is evolving. It began evolving when the first shaman spoke, and it will never finish. As people change so will the church. The church will always evolve to reflect the current politically correct views. Always remember, man creates god in his own image.