INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS & BELIEF SYSTEMS QUARTER 1: MODULE 1 Quarter 1 – Module 1: Concept, Elements and Characteristics of Belief Systems, Worldview, Religion & Spirituality Word Religion Spirituality Worldview Definition - is a set of beliefs and practices that is often focused on one or more deities or gods - involves the recognition of a feeling or sense or belief that there is something greater than myself, something more to being human than sensory experience, and that the greater whole of which we are part is cosmic or divine in nature. (Dr Maya Spencer) - is a collection of beliefs about life and the universe being held by people. Theology - is the study of religious faith, practice, and experience especially the study of God and of God's relation to the world. Eastern Belief - this includes the East Asian religions (Shintoism, Western Belief Sindoism, Taoism and Confucianism), Indian religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism) (Wikipedia) - religions that originated within western culture. The term Abrahamic religions (Islam, Christianity, and Judaism) is often used to refer to this. (Wikipedia) WORLDVIEW Worldview is a collection of beliefs about life and the universe being held by people. (The Free Dictionary 2014). This is how every individual sees and interprets the world. For a certain individual, social environment and upbringing are critical in the development of a religious life. All these factors influence how people organize their beliefs and ideas while eventually creating a comprehensive narrative through which they look at the world and interrelate with it. Kinds of Belief System Monism Description Monotheism There is no real distinction between god and the universe The doctrine/belief in one supreme god Polytheism The belief and worship of many gods Atheism Disbelief in or denial of the existence of a personal god God cannot be known Agnosticism DEFINITION AND NATURE OF RELIGION Religion may be defined as “an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods” (Merriam-Websters Dictionary 2014). The Latin word religion refers to “something done with overanxious or scrupulous attention to detail” (Bowker 1997). This term may have probably been derived from the Latin verb religare which means “to tie together, to bind fast.” THE ORIGIN OF RELIGION 1. The Human Quest for Meaning Understanding our World and our Experience 2. The Quest of Purpose The motivation to live a life which promotes human wholeness in accordance with the meaning discovered. 3. The Quest for Salvation The search to be free from the feeling of disharmony deep within the human person. CONCEPT OF RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY SPIRITUALITY RELIGION • Belief that the divine is within us • Belief in a superhuman power outside of you, the creator of the universe. • Personal belief or values system • Dictated belief or conditioned mind • God is inside the heart • Spiritual laws-based • Heaven is a state of mind • God is inside the mind • Faith-based • Heaven is a place you go when you die • Human relationship/Deed • Brick or Mortar Temple Others: Others: Belies with individuals Expressly stated, organized Internal Focus belief system Goal: To determine External focus and formal common principles, values, structure and ethics Goal: Salvation through one Belief about what is good, truth and one right way true, and beautiful Unites people over society • • • • • • • • THEOLOGY Theology is the study of religious faith, practice, and experience especially the study of God and of God's relation to the world. CHARACTERISTICS OF RELIGION Most scholars agree that every religion has the same three basic elements: 1. Wisdom or Creed A. A creed is a set of truths that must be accepted and agreed to by those who wish to belong to the religion, those who choose to be a follower or disciple. e.g. The Nicene creed, Laws of Manu, Ten Commandments B. A creed is a summary of the principle beliefs of a religion. e.g. The Nicene creed, Laws of Manu, Ten Commandments 2. Worship or Cult A. Refers to the way of worshipping, to the RITUALS that are practiced by followers of the religion. B. This is often a difficult element to describe because it involves so many diverse elements. 3. Works or Code a. Refers to the ethical values and the system of moral practice directly resulting from an adherence to the beliefs. EIGHT ELEMENTS OF RELIGIONS 1. BELIEF SYSTEM or WORLDVIEW: Many beliefs that fit together in a system to make sense of the universe and our place in it. 2. COMMUNITY: The belief system is shared, and its ideals are practiced by a group. 3. CENTRAL STORIES/MYTHS: Stories that help explain the beliefs of a group; these are told over and over again and sometimes performed by members of the group. They may or may not be factual. 4. RITUALS: Beliefs are explained, taught, and made real through ceremonies. EIGHT ELEMENTS OF RELIGIONS 5. ETHICS: Rules about how to behave; these rules are often thought to have come from a deity or supernatural place, but they might also be seen as guidelines created by the group over time. 6. CHARACTERISTIC EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCES: Most religions share emotions such as awe, mystery, guilt, joy, devotion, conversion, inner peace, etc. 7. MATERIAL EXPRESSION: Religions use things to perform rituals or to express or represent beliefs, such as: statues, paintings, music, flowers, incense, clothes, architecture, and specific sacred locations. 8. SACREDNESS: Religions see some things as sacred and some not sacred (or profane). Some objects, actions, people, and places may share in the sacredness or express it. ANTHROPOLOGICAL STRUCTURES OF RELIGION Western Beliefs MONOTHEISTIC - believe in one God. - Share a similar view of the world and concept because they both sprang from Judaism (Islam and Christianity). - Humans must enter an interpersonal relationship with God. - Morality is based on learning the will of God, understanding, and living it out individually and as a community. - Time is viewed as Linear, from beginning to end. - The Bible (Christianity, Torah (Judaism), or Qur’an (Islam) are the central books studied and lived by. Eastern Beliefs - POLYTHEISM- belief in more than one god. - Main concern is to live a good, happier, and have better life. - Creation contains god within it. All elements of creation from plants to animals have an animated spirit. - Meditation is central to these faiths. - Life is balanced. - Holy books are not central to the belief and practice. - Time is viewed in cycles. - There is a belief in reincarnations and rebirth. - Things can be made better or worse through karma. IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING RELIGION 1. Understand the difference and see similarities between nations and culture both political and philosophical. 2. Appreciate our own belief by seeing them alongside those of others. 3. Work for Ecumenism through a meaningful exchange of ideas between religious groups. SIMILARITIES OF RELIGIONS 1. Belief in a power greater than humans. 2. Holy places (Ex. Mecca, Vatican, Bodh Gaya, River Ganges). 3. Set of religious symbols by which the religion is identified. 4. Having a liturgy or observance of Holy Days. 5. Having Sacred or Holy Writings and list of rules. 6. Number of important people, founders, prophets, missionaries, and historical people. 7. Place of worship. 8. Belief in the Golden Rule RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCES Their idea of sin or evil Their idea of salvation Their idea of priesthood Their idea of a personal God
