Religion has been a stable part of many societies, ancient and modern, throughout history. While this seems true in most cases, this was not always the case for the great Mongol Empire. They had many views ranging from neutrality, to extreme tolerance, and then to the Khans and Mongols themselves adopting different religions or bringing in monks or religious teachers as advisors. Their opinions varied from one extreme to the other, changing over the years almost as frequently as the wind changes direction. While their views on religion varied throughout their time as an empire, these views are exactly what helped them thrive through the changes brought about through their expansive conquest of the world. Before Genghis Khan came to power, Mongolia had a vaguely defined fixed religion; even the word "set" would be loosely defined and used in the case. The native Mongolian religion focused primarily on spiritual powers that came from heaven and earth. The Mongols worshiped the sky god Tenggiri above all other spirits and gods, although others were also important to them. This cult was at times so extreme that Tenggiri's followers became extremely cult-like. Almost like Mormonism. Despite having such devoted followers, there was no priesthood and very few full-time practitioners. Prediction was common among practitioners of this native religion, most of which occurred in the form of divination through cracks appearing in the scapula and other sheep bones. Shamans were also very common within this religion.1 Although the unnamed native religion of the Mongol and Shamanism were extremely widespread throughout the Mongol Empire, this does not mean that the Mongols did not adopt or adopt other religions. In... middle of paper... istian, however, is not revered with prayers, praise, or ceremony. Mongols are also allowed to have felt idols. An example of this would be a heartfelt phrase that is a way of thanking the guardians who protect the livestock who give them milk and foals; Brother John also mentions that these idols are offered the first milk of every mare and cow. Along with idol worship, Mongolians also venerate the sun, moon, fire, water, and earth. As an offering they give these elements food and drink, especially in the morning.2 This would greatly reaffirm the fact that the Mongols were still faithful to some of their pagan traditions. They worshiped other idols and spirits, not just the one true God._______________1. Giovanni Plano Carpini, History of the Mongols (np: N/A, nd), 9.2. Giovanni Plano Carpini, History of the Mongols (np: N/A, nd.), 10.