Question

1. yin’s explanation in the final paragraph of source 14 illustrates which continuity in the development of religion during the ancient period?

a. polytheistic religions emphasized that humans and gods could communicate directly
b. priests and religious elites were responsible for defending the states from the gods
c. religious rituals were often intended to prepare humans for the afterlife
d. divine forces were believed to provide political legitimacy and power to rulers

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option in the context of ancient religious development:

• Option A (Polytheistic religions emphasized that humans and gods could communicate directly): In many ancient polytheistic traditions (e.g., Greek, Mesopotamian), humans (especially priests or devotees) had rituals/means to communicate with gods (prayers, sacrifices), showing continuity in how religion facilitated human - divine interaction.
• Option B (Priests and religious elites were responsible for defending the states from the gods): This misrepresents roles; priests/elites typically mediated with gods for blessings, not “defend from gods.”
• Option C (Religious rituals were often intended to prepare humans for the afterlife): While afterlife rituals existed (e.g., Egyptian), this is not a universal “continuity” across most ancient polytheistic traditions as prominently as human - divine communication.
• Option D (Divine forces were believed to provide political legitimacy and power to rulers): While divine right of kings emerged later, in many ancient societies, rulers’ legitimacy was tied to gods (e.g., Pharaohs as gods), but the question focuses on “religion’s development” continuity. The core continuity in polytheistic religion’s development was the emphasis on human - divine communication, making A more accurate.

Answer:

A. Polytheistic religions emphasized that humans and gods could communicate directly