...I chose to research the Catholic religion since I know very little about the Catholicism except that it was my mother’s religion. I went to church very briefly but was too young to grasp what Catholicism was about and how a Catholic was taught to act and believe. When I was in high school, I briefly dated someone who was a very conservative Catholic and we talked about our beliefs. He informed me I could never be a ‘true’ Catholic because some of my personal beliefs went against the church’s teaching. However when I asked him if his views were based off personal beliefs, like mine, or if they were due to the teachings of his religion he couldn’t truly answer. That experience really turned me off to Catholicism. I felt religion wasn’t for me if that was what the church was teaching its ‘flock’; forcing them to believe what the church wants you to believe and installing within you the fear of sinning against or the threat of being removed from the church if your views are different. I’m not one who believes in following the teaching of a religion verbatim especially since most religions have not evolved with the changes of time and still hold strong to the ideals and beliefs that were prevalent hundreds of years ago. Before researching Catholicism I had many misconceptions regarding the Catholic religion. When I decided to research Catholicism I really felt this would strengthen my belief that religions, particularly conservative religions like this one, are mind-washing...
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...The article that was chosen for this paper is called Social of Religion- World Religions. World Religions seemed appealing and was wondering how sociology could play a part in people’s lives in terms of religion when it’s involved. For the most part, it could play a part cause involves them and those who do not have a religion because it defines how people would act in society. It helped a lot due to taking the world Religion class last quarter and the article spoke on a few religions we touched on in that class. For the portion of the article it talks about the different religions. They are major monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Major non-monotheistic religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Agnosticism and Atheism. In the World Religion article by Wienclaw, Ruth A (2009), when talking about these religions it seemed like the information that was given was a recap of information that most people already know. This article has two sections where it gave more insight on where it was going and the titles are called Other Approaches and Viewpoints. It gave insight to how to take the information given from these different religions. This article seems like it got some information from researching about the different religions or using a book that talked about all these religions. From the Wienclaw, reading this article gave some insight to really understand different types of religions because there could be things we can learn from their culture...
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...world religions has given a better understanding to the meaning of different religions in certain cultures. I believe learning about different religions has provided in depth knowledge of the traditions and beliefs in world religions. Before this course, I did not have the understanding and knowledge of religions I now have. I feel I learned a tremendous amount in this course. I find religion to be a very interesting topic and enjoy learning about the similarities and differences. Additionally, the text was very instrumental in explaining the traditions, beliefs, and the history behind them. I feel this course has opened up my mind to many possibilities in regard to religion. I have sometimes questioned some of the beliefs in my own religion, Roman Catholicism. I will now and always remain true to the traditions and beliefs of Catholicism, but I found certain traditions and beliefs in other faiths interesting and some I may adopt in my own life to become a better person. Learning others beliefs and attitudes is important to provide an understanding of another’s way of thinking. Having knowledge of other religions eliminates judgment of others. Instead of immediately judging someone because of his or her beliefs, an understanding will help to treat one another with respect and to respect other’s beliefs. Many people hate other cultures, religions, and declare his or her religion to be the right way. I believe this stems from a misunderstanding of religions and...
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...Thrs 231 Jannie Or Paper1 I disagree that the best way to study religion is learning from a page from the World Almanac. The information is not accurate and not adequate when comparing the world non-Christian on a few paragraph. First, Among all those ambiguous religion questions, one of them is very difficult to answer- who is the founder of the religion? According to the informative paper: "Founder of Hinduism--The Aryan invaders" which actually in the modern history people consider that there is no single founder. However, the religion is originally established by God Himself (dharman tu sakshad bhagavat pranitam) which claimed by the ancient scriptures of India; as well, "Islam's founder is Muhammad" who is known as rasul Allah, or God's Messenger to the Arabs, and to all of humanity. In my opinion, it is very difficult to specified the founder of religion into a particular person. The sacred text is difficult to conclude in some religion. For example, Buddhism's "sacred text is the Tripitaka" however, Buddhism's sacred text might include not only The Tripitaka, the Mahayana Sutras, and the Tibetan Book of the Dead. I need to think the reason why only list The Tripitaka as Buddhism's sacred text might be it is because The Tripitaka is the most important one. Another problem is how to classified the most influential sacred text, the information is not very precisely stated. For example, the sacred text of Hinduism can be classified...
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...7/25/2011 Abstract This paper gives an insight into different religions and seeks to differentiate the different regions. This paper points out key religious issues which scholars encountered and how it affected the study of religion and also helps identifies some example of religious traditions. Religion is vital and so are the religious traditions that are practices all over the world. This paper will describe fundamental mechanism of these religious traditions and their association to the sacred. It will include the critical issues of religion and examples of religious traditions held worldwide. How a religious tradition organizes including leadership, relationships among members, and so forth and what a religious does and say. A religious tradition an act of something that followers of one religion do because it was done for many years by gods or goddesses. These traditions are diverse for each different religion. Each religion has its own texts, stories, and myths etc. that permit people to read about that tradition to a specific religion. For example the Christian religion tells the story of the creation of earth and how it happened according to Christian beliefs from the bible. In some religions the scared reality is not seen as only personal attributes but is more like a natural energy or mysterious power that is manifested through the universe and nature. Some religion praising the reality of multiple gods where they each are separated each...
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...INTRODUCTION Religions of Africa have been a subject of much interest, speculation and study among Westerners. Many theories have been put forward concerning these religions. The Westerners who took an interest in these religions have been divided into two major categories, namely, Early and Later Western writers. Some scholars are advocating a third category – contemporary Western writers. RATIONALE FOR THE INTEREST 1. According to E.E. Evans-Pritchard, (Theories of Primitive Religions, 1965), Western scholars were interested in Religions of Africa because Africans were considered to be “primitive” and “primitive” people had primitive religions which are the species of the genus religions. They are the mothers of all world religions. 2. According to J. G. Platvoet, (ed, et al) (The study of Religions in Africa, Past, Present and Prospects, 1996), the interest was generated by the need to spread Christianity. 3. The same scholar is of the opinion that these writers wanted to provide information to colonial governments about the colonised so that they could govern them effectively. 4. Some were just interested in writing about Africans and their religions. EXAMPLES OF EARLY WESTERN WRITERS 1. Edward B. Tylor - Wrote the book, Primitive Culture, 1973, in which he stressed the importance of the soul and propounded the theory of animism. This theory attributed spirit or soul to all creatures both animate and inanimate. This theory was then applied to religions of Africa. 2....
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...Studying Religion REL/134 June 29, 2015 Studying Religion Components of Religion are expansive inside of one viewpoint with a composed gathering of convictions with distinctive implications. Contingent upon an individual’s religious faith, this individual will rise above their convictions within their own power. There is no distinction amongst the natural and supernatural, and amongst beings and non-beings (Molloy, 2013). When an individual decides to practice a religion this can be of many choices, such as Judaism, Christianity, or Muslim. In Judaism religion, Jewish believe in Yahweh, Christians believe in God the creator of the universe, and Muslims believe in Muhammad a prophet from God. For a long time the practice of any religion has transcended above from era to era there are numerous practices, which occur today. The outside appearances of religions for example structures, artifacts, and rituals will illustrate how each religion contains their own attributes that differs from other forms of religion. Although, in some characteristics of worship, especially in the sense of spiritual occurrences all religions do share similar essentials in their faith that progresses beyond any individual’s everyday learnings, and it is impossible to be illustrated through language. According to Molloy “scholars that individuals ordinarily call religions manifest to some point following the eight elements” (Molloy, 2013). These eight elements are a belief system, community...
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...1. Why do we speak of ‘basic” rather than “primitive” religions? We speak of basic religion because basic religion came from prehistory or are practiced in remote places. And elements of the basic religions are found to some degree in all religions. Basic religions represent the majority of the total religious experience of humankind. While primitive religion carries with it connotations of being backward, simple, even childlike. Christian or Muslim or Jew may tend to look down on these religions as being superstitious, uncivilized, or even savage. The term is misleading in suggesting that the religions of those peoples are somehow less complex than the religions of "advanced" societies. 2. What are the two primary sources of information about basic religions? How trustworthy are these sources? The first is contemporary basic religions and the second source of information is archaeology. It is more difficult to use contem- porary data to speculate about the origins and earliest forms of religion. All contemporary societies, even the most technologically simple, have long and complex histories. While on the other hand Archaeologists main sources of information are likely burial sites, weapons, and tools. Archaeological results depend on the interpretations of the investigator. Therefore information we can’t say archaeological sources are trustworthy; we can only give credit to their investigation. 3. What do we believe was the purpose of the Cro-Magnon cave paintings...
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...Elements of Religious Traditions Brenda L. Miller REL 133 - Week One Assignment March 3, 2014 Calvin Habig Elements of Religious Traditions In an attempt to seek answers of the mysteries within our universe, people use the basic components of religion, critical issues, and various religious traditions to worship and honor a higher power, god, divine, spiritual being, or an eternal world to receive fulfillment and comfort in life. It is this sacredness which brings the mind, body, and spirit together as the foundation toward religion in daily life. Gaining an understanding of the basic components of religious traditions, some of the critical issues in religion, and various religious traditions will allow individuals further insight on the elements of religion. The basic components of religious traditions will explain how religions organize, what they do, and say. Basic Components of Religious Traditions The religions of the world give insight into traditions, what religions share, insight of people, tolerance/appreciation of differences, intellectual questioning, insight into daily life, appreciation of the arts, an enjoyment of travel, family traditions, and personal religious quests (Molloy, 2010). To believe in a higher power, a deity, spiritual being, creator, divine, God, group of gods, or have a faithful following of an eternal world is to be religious. A tradition is a repetitive behavior with a significant reasoning or meaning that continues over time. ...
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...Connor Fischer Jeffrey Stevens Psych 270 QALMRI Mini-Project November 12, 2015 What are the Evolutionary Benefits of Religion? Question Religion has been a large part of societies since the beginning of communication in mankind. Whether it Christianity, Buddhism, or Judaism, different religions can be found all over the world. One thing that many of these religions have in common is their belief of some sort of life after this one we are currently living. Not only do the majority of these religions believe in the afterlife, they usually believe we suffer or are honored in the next life based on our actions in our current life. But how can the majority of the world believe in afterlife without physical proof? There must be other benefits...
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...A brief introduction on Rastafarianism The Rastafarian religion was originated in Africa it is not just a religion, but away of life. Rastafarians speak out against poverty, oppression and inequality, not just religion ideas but global problems. For many years Rastafarian continues to grow against the tide of official and social approbation. The early elders were charged with sedition and locked up, while others were declared insane placed in the Jamaican equivalent of Bedlam. Even though Rasta was the poorest and the lowest of all they were secure with great knowledge. This religion is more than a religious gathering, however, since Rasta does not compartmentalize life into spiritual and non-spiritual periods it is an integrated way of living and of thinking of what goes beyond most definitions of religion. In 1933-1934 there was a Rastafarian movement. This movement was led by Haile Selassie I whose previous name was Rastafari Makonnen before he was crowned Emperor under the name of Haile Selassie I in October 1930. During this movement the Rastafarian take the bible as its sacred text, but interprets it in an Afro-centric because they want to reverse the changes that the “White” that made. The Rastafarian movement was closely linked to the ancient history of the Ethiopian civilization and largely based on the identification which Blacks have made with Ethiopia by virtue of biblical symbolism. In Ethiopia...
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...Judaism Historical Information: Judaism first started from 2000b.c.-1500b.c. it first appeared in SW Asia. Judaism is a Hebrew religion. Their accounts became the Hebrew Bible. In 1200bc God told Moses to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt. Moses led them out of Egypt which is now called the Exodus. Their release from slavery proved to them God was protecting and watching over them. Beliefs: The Hebrews believed in only one God, Yahweh. They were the first monotheistic religion and the oldest today. Their central element was education, the study and ideas of justice and righteousness. They were obedient to the law and followed the Ten Commandments. They forbid working on holidays or on the seventh day of the week, and having certain foods to eat. There are also certain laws that must be followed. This law is also known as the Mosaic Law. Customs, Practices, and Traditions: Today some Jews are Rabbis. Rabbis are religious teachers. They also celebrate Hanukah. Hanukah is a holiday in which Jews light candles on a menorah. Modern Information: Today over 14 million people in the world practice this religion. Most people practice in a synagogue. All Hebrew don’t always practice the same way they just share their basic beliefs. Controversies: Today Hebrew has problems with who the church declares a saint, and where crosses should be located. Hinduism Historical Information: The Caste System divided Indian society into groups based on a person’s birth, wealth or occupation...
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...the classical principles of argument, in Michael Crichton’s work entitled “Environmentalism as Religion Run Amok.” Crichton’s work provides his position and ideas that environmentalism is a religion to many people. The authority Crichton took was logical. The reader was not bombarded with outside sources as it was Crichton’s position that logic be used in order to see the flaws in environmentalism being treated as a religion. In this case, Crichton’s claim that one should seek scientific proof to scientific mattes such as those which environmentalism explores is what logically makes sense. Crichton uses logos, or appealing to one’s logical sense, to simplify the process of examining his claim. First Crichton makes a claim that will shock many readers, “Today, one of the most powerful religions in the Western World is environmentalism” (Crichton 2004/2007, para.4). He then shares with the reader the relationship he sees between religion and facts by writing, “One of the defining features of religion is that beliefs are not troubled by facts, because they have nothing to do with them” (Crichton 2004/2007, para. 18). Most readers will see this as a logical statement that they agree with. This leaves the reader with the logical question of, what does religion have to do with environmentalism? It is when the reader asks this question that Crichton has made his first point: religion has nothing to do with environmentalism. Reader are then forced to ask themselves whether they...
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...Coen Ayres Religion in Pompeii and Herculaneum This response seeks to assess the following quote, “the study of Pompeii (P) and Herculaneum (H) provides us with a wealth of sources-however we are faced with issues regarding their limitations, reliability and usefulness”, in regard to four different levels of religion. Those four levels are household, foreign, local and state. In regard to the statement it can be agreed upon that the first half of the quote is true and that there are a wealth of sources, but the second half of the quote which states that there are issues of limitations, reliability and usefulness in these sources is only semi-true as it depends on the type of religion being discussed. Religion will be examined from the least problematic to the most problematic in regard to wealth of sources, reliability, limitations and usefulness; household religion, foreign religion, local religion and state religion. There is a wealth of sources regarding household religion in P and H and there are no issues regarding their reliability and limitations. One could relate this due to the fact that there has been evidence of most households practicing religion in their homes. The focus of household religion was the worship at a shrine called a lararium. These larariums were often depicted in an architectural style, such as the one found in the house of the Vettii (P) and the house of the Black Salon (H) which both resemble a temple in their style. The larariums could have also...
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...Elements of Religious Traditions REL/134 May 13, 2013 Elements of Religious Traditions Religious traditions share many common elements. First, religious traditions often describe and encourage a relationship with the divine. Further, religions frequently describe and encourage relationships with sacred times and events, for example, a holy birth. Additionally, religious traditions may possess common beliefs concerning sacred space and the natural world. For example, many religions teach earth is sacred, whereas others teach earth is imperfect. Moreover, religious traditions frequently define relationships with other religions, for example, as good or bad. People who study religion often encounter key critical issues, including limited data, unwritten information, and preconceived ideas. Though many religious traditions share common elements, beliefs, and relationships, religion can be difficult to study. Religious traditions often define their relationship with a divine. Religions usually portray their relationship with a scared as a superior-inferior relationship, where people are inferior to the sacred (Molloy, 2010). Some religions describe their relationship with the divine as special, where other religions do not define their relationship at all. For example, Christians teach the Earth’s inhabitants are a main concern of the sacred, whereas Confucians teach people have no relationship with the divine (Molloy, 2010). Still, Buddhists contend sacred’s are...
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