Week 4 Assignment 1 Rel212
Week 4 Assignment #1
Me’Shaw A. Taylor
Dr. Anne Keyes
REL 212
4/29/12
Discuss the criteria you will employ to determine if people on earth are religious — in other words, what does religion look like?
Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that relate humanity to spirituality and sometimes, to moral values (Talal, 1982). Religions most notably are represented by symbols, stories, traditions or anything that tends to explain the meaning of life or the creation of earth and its beings. Each religion has its take on morality, ethics, religious laws, and lifestyle. Many religions have determined behaviors which include meetings or worship services. During these services they are worshipping their deity or praying to him or her. In observing religion, you may also see other services that members may be involved in which include sacrifices, revivals, feasts or dinners, initiations, funerals, marriage ceremonies, meditations, music, dances, and art.
Describe three (3) examples of behaviors or beliefs you observe that meet the criteria you established above. 1. Baptism is a Christian rite or ceremony that Christians participate in. It is a form of rebirth and it done by water and the Holy Spirit. 2. Ramadan is another belief for Muslims which is a month of fasting in which they refrain from eating or drinking during the daytime. It is practiced to teach members about patience and submissiveness to their god. 3. Weddings which are observed by many religions which two people take a vow before their god to honor and obey one another. It is a public proclamation of a marriage that is performed normally by a religious leader
Based on your observations, explain what the function of religion appears to be on Earth. Religions provide many functions on Earth mental peace being one function. Religion encourages all that believe in times of need. It is one place you can always go to for help with your problems.
Me’Shaw A. Taylor
Dr. Anne Keyes
REL 212
4/29/12
Discuss the criteria you will employ to determine if people on earth are religious — in other words, what does religion look like?
Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that relate humanity to spirituality and sometimes, to moral values (Talal, 1982). Religions most notably are represented by symbols, stories, traditions or anything that tends to explain the meaning of life or the creation of earth and its beings. Each religion has its take on morality, ethics, religious laws, and lifestyle. Many religions have determined behaviors which include meetings or worship services. During these services they are worshipping their deity or praying to him or her. In observing religion, you may also see other services that members may be involved in which include sacrifices, revivals, feasts or dinners, initiations, funerals, marriage ceremonies, meditations, music, dances, and art.
Describe three (3) examples of behaviors or beliefs you observe that meet the criteria you established above. 1. Baptism is a Christian rite or ceremony that Christians participate in. It is a form of rebirth and it done by water and the Holy Spirit. 2. Ramadan is another belief for Muslims which is a month of fasting in which they refrain from eating or drinking during the daytime. It is practiced to teach members about patience and submissiveness to their god. 3. Weddings which are observed by many religions which two people take a vow before their god to honor and obey one another. It is a public proclamation of a marriage that is performed normally by a religious leader
Based on your observations, explain what the function of religion appears to be on Earth. Religions provide many functions on Earth mental peace being one function. Religion encourages all that believe in times of need. It is one place you can always go to for help with your problems.
Cited: Talal, A. (1982). The Construction of Religion as a Anthropological Category. Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press.