Elements of Religious Tradition
Elements of Religious Tradition
REL/134 World Religious Traditions II
November 26, 2012
Elements of Religious Tradition There are hundreds of religions and belief systems around the world which have their own sets of traditions and practices. These traditions and practices are used by their followers to describe and encourage a relationship with the divine and also sacred time. Also depending on if the religion or belief system identifies with a deity or nature these traditions also describe their place in relation to sacred space or the natural world. These traditions and practices also show the relationship different religions and belief systems have with each other as well. Also identified will be key critical issues in the study of religion and belief systems.
Relationship with the Divine Reading scripture and prayer are primary ways to establish a relationship with the divine. In Judaism this is done first by reading or listening to passages from the Torah in the original Hebrew form. Then with the help of those who are able to translate the message is then received in their native language then finally there is analyzing the message as a group with much discussion. This method uses three steps in attaining a relationship with the divine and the steps are: hearing, translating and analyzing (Fields, 1998). This method of learning from scripture can be used by any religion with a written history or scripture. Religions with an oral tradition would establish a relationship with the divine through ritual storytelling and the passing on the stories from one generation to the next. Muslims form a relationship with the divine through daily prayer which is done five times a day facing in the direction of the holy city of Mecca. Daily prayer or Salat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Relationship with Sacred Time In Christianity a powerful way to create a stronger relationship with God is to understand sacred time. For Christians sacred time
REL/134 World Religious Traditions II
November 26, 2012
Elements of Religious Tradition There are hundreds of religions and belief systems around the world which have their own sets of traditions and practices. These traditions and practices are used by their followers to describe and encourage a relationship with the divine and also sacred time. Also depending on if the religion or belief system identifies with a deity or nature these traditions also describe their place in relation to sacred space or the natural world. These traditions and practices also show the relationship different religions and belief systems have with each other as well. Also identified will be key critical issues in the study of religion and belief systems.
Relationship with the Divine Reading scripture and prayer are primary ways to establish a relationship with the divine. In Judaism this is done first by reading or listening to passages from the Torah in the original Hebrew form. Then with the help of those who are able to translate the message is then received in their native language then finally there is analyzing the message as a group with much discussion. This method uses three steps in attaining a relationship with the divine and the steps are: hearing, translating and analyzing (Fields, 1998). This method of learning from scripture can be used by any religion with a written history or scripture. Religions with an oral tradition would establish a relationship with the divine through ritual storytelling and the passing on the stories from one generation to the next. Muslims form a relationship with the divine through daily prayer which is done five times a day facing in the direction of the holy city of Mecca. Daily prayer or Salat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Relationship with Sacred Time In Christianity a powerful way to create a stronger relationship with God is to understand sacred time. For Christians sacred time
References: Fields, H. J. (1998). A Torah Commentary for Our Times. Vol. 1, New York: UAHC Press, 1998, 4. Molloy, M. (2010). Experiencing the world’s religions: Tradition, challenge, and change (5th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Morgenstern, A; Translated by Linsider, J.A. (2006). "Epilogue: Emergence of a Jewish Majority in Jerusalem". Hastening redemption: Messianism and the resettlement of the land of Israel. US: Oxford University Press. p. 201. ISBN 978-0-19-530578-4. Webber, R.E., (2004). Ancient-Future Time: Forming Spirituality through the Christian Year. Baker Books (October 1, 2004).