Religionshistorie og aksetid
English summary: The article presents and discusses two articles by Robert Bellah, “Religious evolution” from 1964 and “What is Axial about the Axial Age?” (2005). In what seems to be a general lack of interest in a history of religion (different from a history of religions) among academic scholars in the science of religion, Bellahs model, especially in its combination with recent approaches to the ‘axial age’ and to Merlin Donald’s biocultural cognitive model for hominid evolution, is recommended as a useful starting point for revitalization of an honorable branch of religious studies. Dansk resume: Artiklen præsenterer og diskuterer to artikler af den amerikanske religionssociolog Robert Bellah, “Religious evolution” fra 1964 og “What is Axial about the Axial Age?” (2005). I forhold til en generel mangel på interesse for en religionens historie (forskellig fra religionernes historie) blandt religionsvidenskabelige forskere anbefales Bellahs model som et frugtbart udgangspunkt for en revitalisering af en hæderværdig del af religionsvidenskaben, særlig når den kombineres med aktuelle diskussioner af ‘aksetiden’ og Merlin Donalds biokulturelle, kognitive model for hominid evolution.