There are a number of possible conditions that allow a religion or a belief to arise and eventually to take form and grow. Depending on what approach we take and where we place our emphasis, our understanding of where the religion stands and the nature of its belief will vary. A particular religion arises on the premise that the social matrix is already in place, that is, that there is general popular demand for the type of faith taught by its advocate or advocates.

Certain social strains are necessary for such popular aspirations to exist, and there must be perceived defects in current beliefs. It is when all these conditions are in place that advocates of new religions with their messages of salvation appear in response to popular demand. These preachers seek to find answers to the needs of the times and try various tacks until they arrive at a specific strategy. In the process, multiple belief systems are preached in parallel, and even the form and content of the teaching of a single person will be in flux. Eventually groups of likeminded followers form around a particular teacher, and religious organizations develop. When the teacher dies, his dogma and the organization of his followers have to stand alone; the teachings are systematized so that the belief might be transmitted and regulations governing lifestyle develop to maintain the organization.

We can see that the forming of an idea or a doctrine is premised by the existence of a teacher and a group to transmit it, plus a social base that encourages the process to occur.