Introduction to World Religion Essay Example

Introduction To World Religions
What is Religion?
 A system of beliefs and practices (are put to organize life somehow) that attempts to order life in terms of culturally perceived ultimate priorities. (example: in some cultures something are important, but it not might be important in our culture) Religion talks about-( how we care/ how we don’t care. etc)
 Adherence-(we stick to these things) to a set of believes or teaching about the deepest & most elusive-(hard to define/express/perceive/understand) of life’s mysteries. Religions helps to explain mysteries. (example: pray to sun. etc)
A Set of Beliefs
 Existence of a higher power, spirits or God (something greater)
 an explanation of the origins and purpose of humans and their role on earth (example: why are we here? What purpose? etc)
 involves rituals, festivals, rites of passage-(some kind of ceremony to go to the next level-come of age) and space-(religious landscapes)
3 Classifications of Religions
 Monotheistic religions- worship a single deity.
 Polytheistic religions- worship more than one deity, even thousands.
 Animistic religions- belief that inanimate objects possess spirits and should be revered-(respect)
What is Religion?
 Much about religion appears to revolve around
• a person’s attitude towards life. (can be collective or individualistic)
• the universe
• and what is more important to a group of people.

Defining Religion
 A complex and diverse cultural phenomenon.
 Multiple basic characteristics rather than simplifying religion to just one or two.
 It is important to recognize the diversity of religion.
• Non insisting that all characteristics be met in order to qualify as a religion.
 Most commonly recognized religion- like Christianity or Hinduism will have all of them.
 A few religions and a few manifestations of common religions will have 5 or 6 of them.