Religion Definition Essay Example for Free

Religion Definition Essay1. What is a righteousness? Youve read our textbook motives interpretation use that definition as a starting point to go further.The article religious belief is such a broad word that to this day there is no wiz definition that can satisfy wholly religions. For the time being, it is better to simply be open to many possible definitions, without embracing any single one. Different people especiall(a)y in distinct religions will all have a difference in opinion when trying to use very few delivery to define religion. The traditional definition of religion is a system of belief that involves worship of a idol or gods, prayer, ritual, and a moral code.Religion is important to many people because it gives them something to retrieve in. Religion helps military personnel beings deal with their mortality. As human beings, we look to religion for answers to spiritednesss unexpected or unvalued questions such as ending, pain, afterlife, or rebirth. Religion has a way of helping us deal with death and offers comfort.Religion likewise helps us be creativity and express ourselves through music, dance, and art. It gives us a reek of viewing life as something beautiful and lively. People who have a religion usually atomic number 18 more happy knowing that they life can reflect something of the supernatural that they do not understand. done art, we get to express how we be feeling on the inside. some(prenominal) people use music, dance, and art to record former(a)s what they cannot express through words. Religion gives them a sense of confident.2. Discuss some of the char coiferistics that religions have in common. nearly characteristics that religions have in common be belief system, community, central myths, ritual, characteristic emotional experiences, material expression, and sacralness. not all religions will consist of all ele workforcets but rather some of these characteristics be commonly accepted. Many believe in a worldview were all things in the universe and human being has a enter in it. Humans need of belonging helps them seek out for a community where they can belong too and share their ideals and practices. Many religions have this so people can rely on one another.Other characteristics that are shared in religions are passed big bucks from generations to generations through stories or reenactment of count events in the religious group. Each religion has its own myth that is central to the religion. Not only are myths passed down but rituals as well. These beliefs are enacted and made real through ceremonies. Also, ethics are passed down which are set guidelines for the group of people these are viewed as being revealed through a supernatural realm.Religions also allow people to express themselves emotionally and give a sense of inner peace that cannot coif from outer resources. Material expression allows religions to make use of astonishing variety of physical elements. Each re ligion has a source of sacredness that is distinctive from the ordinary. Ceremonies express the distinction through diametric language, clothing, and architecture. Each tradition give away most of these characteristics but for those who practice them will manifest them in different ways and at different times.3. In addition to characteristics in common among religions, there are some mannikins with regard to beliefs, world views, etc., that are exhibited by most religions. Discuss these patterns.There are three different patterns that we look for to see coincidence and difference among religions. The first pattern is views of the world and life. Religions must offer answers to lifes great questions that are asked. All questions are the same, but the answers very depending on the religion. Because of the great variety of worldview each answer is different and must be examined close to get a better taste of why it is the way it is. around religion view the universe as being crea ted by a Creator while others believe it has no beginning and no ending. Some view nature as the realm of evil where it call for to be overcome. Others believe that humans are called to shape it. Each view differs from religion to religion.The second pattern is the focus of beliefs and practices. There are three concepts that are practiced, although one whitethorn be more preponderant than the other depending on the purpose of importance. Sacramental orientation emphasizes carrying out rituals and ceremonies regularly and correctly as the caterpillar track to salvation. Some believe that correct ritual influences the processes of nature. Prophetic orientation implies that a human being whitethorn be an important intermediary between the believer and the sacred. This is prominent in Judaism, Protestant Christianity, and Islam. Mystical orientation seeks union with something greater such as graven image, nature, the universe, or reality as a whole. Upanishadi Hinduism, Daoism, an d some Buddhism essay the importance of this.The third pattern is the view of male and egg-producing(prenominal). As human being the role of men and women are very important and religion has had much to say round the roles of men and women on universe and in the divine realm. Today many influential religions consider the male as dominate the sacred and full-time religious specialists are usually males. Although this may not be completely true, in the past, female divinities once played an important role in many culture and religion.4. Having discussed in last workweeks Discussion Board postings your own reasons for taking this World Religions course, discuss some of the benefits of canvass the major religions of the world cited by our textbook author.Studying the different religions around the world allows for a better understanding of each religion and helps educate and improve ones experience of other related subjects. When directing other religion it allows insights into t he religious traditions such as values, relationships, personalities, and human creativity. Not only that but it gives the outsiders an predilection for the things that are not obvious to the insider.Other benefits include insight into everyday life. Religions influence everyday life in many ways. Many people use religion for moral issues, on buildings, comic strips. The study of religion with help a person recognizes the religious influence everywhere. For someone who has no religion or is on their religious quest, understanding and studying the many different religions will help them find a place to belong too. Knowledge of the different religion will aid a person in their journey of life.Short Answer Questions5. What is the origin and meaning of the word religion?The origin of the word religion comes from the Latin roots re-, meaning again, and lig-, meaning gather or connect. The translation would then mean to join again, or to reconnect. This word suggests the joining of our natural, human world to the sacred world.6. What is the meaning of sacred?Sacred is a God or gods that is set apart because of its holiness. These deities are considered worthy of spiritual respect or devotion.7. pin down and contrast monotheism and polytheism.Monotheism is the term that means a belief in one God. Those who believe in God believe that He is all powerful, pure spirit, and not fully definable in words. Polytheism on the other hand means worship of or believing in many coexisting gods. These multiple gods may be fairly separate entities, each in charge of an aspect of reality, or they may be multiple manifestations of the same basic sacred reality.8. Define and contrast atheism and agnosticism.Atheism is the denial of the cosmea of any God or gods. Agnosticism is to argue that the existence of God cannot be proven.9. How are symbols utilize in religion?Symbols are important in religion because religions are so varied in their teachings and in conflict with each othe r that symbols help express truth. Symbols are fairly concrete, ordinary, and universal that represents and helps human beings intensely experience something of greater difficulty.10. What is a sacrament? Give two or three examples of sacraments in a religion with which you are familiar.A sacrament is a religious rite or act seen as way of receiving Gods grace. In some mysterious way God uses physical things to bring about spiritual changes and give His grace. As a Christian, a few sacraments that we hold are baptism, communion, and fasting. These are all important in receiving Gods grace.11. Contrast linear and alternating(prenominal) time in the study of religion. running(a) time place an emphasis on creation, religions that believe in this is Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, time is very important. Linear time means moving in a straight line from the beginning of the universe to its end. In cyclical time, the universe simply moves through endless changes, which repeat themselve s over grand periods of time. Buddhism believes time is cyclical and is not as crucial because ultimately the universe is not moving to a final point.