Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems Why is there Religion? Speculation on the sources of religion: 1. Having to deal with our mortality. - death, experience of pain, idea of soul, afterlife, and rebirth 2. We desire good health. - A regular supply of food and a suitable weather. 3. It offers companionship. - The fulfillment from belonging to a group. 4. It stimulates art, music, and dance. -As an inspirational source of some of the most imaginative buildings in the world. 5. As to respond to our natural wonder about ourselves and the cosmos. - relate unknown universe around us by answering the questions of who we are, where we come from, and where are we going. Key Characteristics of Religion A) Belief system Several beliefs fit together into fairly complete and systematic interpretation of the universe and the human being’s place in it; this is also called a worldview. Key Characteristics of Religion B) Community The belief system is shared, and its ideals are practiced by a group. C) Ethics Rules about human behaviour are established, often having been revealed from supernatural realm, but they can also be viewed as socially generated guidelines. Key Characteristics of Religion D) Characteristic emotions Among the emotions typically associated with religions are dread, guilt, awe, mystery, devotion, liberation, ecstasy, inner peace, and bliss. and places may share in the sacredness or express it. the position that holds that the existence of God cannot be proven. ceremonies often emphasize the differentiation between the sacred and the ordinary through the deliberate use of different languages. or they may be multiple manifestation of the same basic sacred reality. particularly in the Western world. Certain objects. The Sacred Agnosticism -Literally meaning “not know”. The Sacred Monotheism -The term that means a belief in one God. clothing. actions. -The reality of God is beyond all categories: God is said to be pure spirit. and specialized locations or buildings. The Sacred Pantheism . ritual objects. not fully definable in words. The Sacred All religions are concerned with the deepest level of reality. -The multiple gods may be fairly separate entities. and most say that the core or origin of everything is sacred and mysterious.E)Rituals Beliefs are enacted and made real through ceremonies. -The sacred reality in the form of many coexisting gods. Key Characteristics of Religion F) Sacredness A distinction is made between the sacred and the ordinary. is God. and architecture. One familiar term for the sacred reality. The Sacred Polytheism -The belief in many Gods. each in charge of an aspect of reality (nature of gods). people. -The belief that everything in the universe is divine. meaning “spirit. The Sacred Animism From the Latin anima. the belief in two gods (good and evil) in conflict.” “soul.something of greater complexity. Dualism The belief that reality is made of two different principles (spirit and matter). Symbolism helps human beings intensely experience.health mountain. Atheism Literally meaning “not God”. The Sacred Nontheistic Not asserting or denying the existence of any deity.represent spiritual cleansing sun. The Sacred (other key terms) Immanent Existing and operating within nature. Transcendent Not limited by the physical world. the position that holds that there is no God or gods. water. unconcerned with the supernatural.strength . a worldview common among oral religions (religions with no written scriptures) that sees all elements of nature as being filled with spirit or spirits. Ex.” “life force”. Religious symbolism Religions express truth symbolically. . Thinkers . 1st Pattern: Focus of Beliefs and Practices Three Basic Orientations in their conception and location of the Sacred: Prophetic orientation The prophetic orientation stresses that contact with the sacred is ensured by proper belief and by adherence to moral rules. Changing technology. Ex. The shifting values of the cultures in which they exist. and. This implies that a human being may be an important intermediary between the believer and the sacred. circle. Part of the process of understanding leads us to see patterns of similarities and difference among religions. Influenced by governments . but we are not looking to validate then or to disprove them or to enhance our own belief or practice. .eternity Serves as the language of symbols. Ex.correctly as the path to salvation. 1st Pattern: Focus of Beliefs and Practices Three Basic Orientations in their conception and location of the Sacred: Sacramental orientation The sacramental orientation emphasizes carrying out rituals and ceremonies regularly and – importantly. Prophets being mentioned in the bible. Patterns Among Religions We study religions in a comparative and historical sense. Making the Catholic sign of the cross. Patterns Among Religions Religions are not permanent theoretical construct but are constantly in a process of change. . Historical events . is done in a certain way. 1st Pattern: Focus of Beliefs and Practices Three Basic Orientations in their conception and location of the Sacred: Mystical orientation The mystical orientation seeks union with a reality greater than oneself. such as with God. Talks on the reality of the sacred as immanent or transcendent in nature. or having a personal attributes or as impersonal entity. or reality as a whole. The Nature of the Universe . 2nd Pattern: Religious Views of the World and Life The Human Attitude Toward Nature Religion’s view of the nature of man and his surroundings. Christianity. This is the positions of every religions on how they view the creation of the universe. seated meditation to attain enlightenment experience. Islam) or cyclical such as Buddhism. such as the use of the Bible. and whether the universe moves through endless changes or not moving at all. But other religions show a certain mistrust of words and value silence and wordless meditation. Word and Scriptures In some religions. . the universe. 2nd Pattern: Religious Views of the World and Life The Nature of Sacred Reality . Time This talks about the concept of time between religions. 2nd Pattern: Religious Views of the World and Life Human Purpose An idea in every religions on the concept of the importance of man in the divine plan. concerning the idea of good and evil. Ex. The concept of time whether it is linear (for Judaism. the process of nature. the sacred is to be found in written and spoken words. withdrawal from certain foods. 2nd Pattern: Religious Views of the World and Life Exclusiveness and Inclusiveness Some religions view the idea of sacred which is distinct from the world and that order must be imposed by separating good from bad– for example.ex. both on earth and in the divine spheres.The study of religions is a gateway to different forms of arts and many others. Thus.enjoying the differences is valuable and even better. Insight into what religion share. This will lead the individual to belong to several religions. views of what is male and what is female provide another basis for comparing religions.helps one develop a certain objectivity and tolerance.Appreciation for the arts. Enjoyment of travel. . personalities. and human creativity.Religions have influenced most earlier cultures so strongly that their effects are readily identifiable in the values of our parents and grandparents. or beliefs. 8. Why Study the Major Religions of the World? 4. Insight into what religious traditions. 6. or an outsider will appreciate the uniqueness of their systems. practices. 2.Tolerance.because there is really a big difference between walking at the Vatican City and by just reading about it. 5. Insight into everyday life. 9. There are such religions also that emphasized social harmony the relativity of truth and have accepted beliefs in many deities. This is an idea of inclusiveness. 3. religions have had much to say about the roles of men and women. The complex system of values. places. 3rd Pattern: Religious Views of Male and Female Because gender is such an intrinsic and important part of being human.brings a special insight that an outsider cannot have. Help in one’s own religious quest. Why Study the Major Religions of the World? 1. Why Study the Major Religions of the World? 7. Insight into family traditions. relationships. Appreciation of differences.ones practices in a certain religion can be seen also in the daily activities of man.
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