Most of the important religions throughout history have mutual characteristics. The chief characteristics comprise (1) belief in a deity or in a control beyond the person, (2) a doctrine (established teaching) of deliverance, (3) a code of conduct, (4) the make use of of sacred stories, and (5) religious ritual (acts as well as ceremonies)
Belief in a deity. There are three main theoretical views regarding the survival of a deity. Atheists believe that no goddess exists. Theists consider in a deity or deities. Agnostics say that the survival of a deity cannot be prove or disproved. Most of the chief religions are theistic. They instruct that deities director greatly force the actions of human beings as well as events in natural world. Confucianism is the mainly significant atheistic religion.
A doctrine of salvation. Between the major religions, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, as well as Hinduism teach a principle of salvation. They anxiety that salvation is the highest objective of the trustworthy and one that all supporters should struggle to achieve. Religions disagree, however, in what deliverance is and in how it can be increased.
A code of conduct is a set of ethical teachings plus principles that all religions have in a number of forms. Such a code, or ethic, informs believers how to manner their lives. It instructs them how to take action toward the deity and toward any more. Religious codes of carry out differ in many ways, but mainly agree on several main themes. For example, they stress a number of forms of the golden rule, which state that believer should take care of others as they would similar to to be treated themselves. A religion code of conduct also may well determine such substances as whom believers might marry, what jobs they may perhaps hold, and what sort of foods they may eat.
The use of sacred stories. On behalf of thousands of years,
References: Characteristics of Religion Navigation by WebRing. http://webspace.webring.com/people/fs/stonehavencircle/beliefs/basicbeliefs2.html CHAPTER 1: HOW TO STUDY RELIGION 2013 Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business http://cw.routledge.com/textbooks/9780415458917/revisionchecklist.asp