...Elements of Religious Traditions Patricia McNeely REL/133 June 8, 2012 Dr. Victoria Yancey Elements of Religious Tradition What a religious tradition says? Understanding religion beliefs and key characteristics on how religion manifest in some degree of belief a system where several beliefs fit together into a systematic interpretation of the universe and human being’s placed in it. Community is shared and its ideas are practice by groups. Stories that express the religious beliefs are retold and reenacted. Central myths are major events in the life of Hindu god Krishna, the enlightenment experience of the Buddha, the exodus of the Israelites from oppression in Egypt, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Religion is a way of life founded upon apprehension of sacredness in existence. Ethics are often viewed as having been revealed from a supernatural realm, but can be viewed socially generated guideline Emotional experiences associated with religions are dread guilt, awe, mystery, devotion, conversions, “rebirth”, liberation, ecstasy, bliss, and inner peace. Religions make use of an astonishing variety of physical elements. What a religious tradition does? Christians use water for baptisms; Jews use water for ritual purification; and Muslims and followers of Shinto wash before prayer. Ashes also have widespread use among religious tradition to suggest death and the spirit world: are used by tribal religions in dance ceremonies...
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...To Confucius REL/133 The Ideal Person According To Confucius Confucianism is a belief system developed by Confucius and Chinese tradition. It encompasses the importance of educational and moral development in individuals. The perfect human being must have the qualities of saint, scholar, and gentleman. To accomplish this, one must adhere to the guidelines of the ‘Five Great Relationships and the Five Virtues. The ideal person, according to Confucius, would be the junzi. This is the definitive noble human being. The junzi would have been taught virtue from a young age, thus these ideals are completely innate. Some of these virtues are faithfulness, modesty, compassion and diligence. He is a critical thinker and impartial witness. Although educated, the junzi never uses his knowledge to insult or offend and holds himself accountable for his mistakes. He would follow a special set of etiquette rules, ensuring proper relationships. The junzi behaves in a simple yet dignified manner. He is a natural leader. The junzi is also reverent in worship. He respects the relationship hierarchy set forth by Confucius referred to as the Five Great Relationships. In addition to the appreciation of the Five Great Relationships, it is necessary to live by five distinct virtues. The first virtue is represented by Ren. Ren can be described to the West as empathy; feeling for another human being. It is the consciousness of human relationships. The simple rule, “What you do not wish...
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...Fundamental Aspects of Religious Traditions Nathan Driskill REL/133 World Religious Traditions I December 20, 2010 Michelle Brewster Fundamental Aspects of Religious Traditions One of the most unique phenomenons in human history is religious traditions. From the beginning of time to present day, people everywhere have a religious thread of importance in their lives. Religions are represented in all of the major countries of the world. Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism are the most significant represented by the largest numbers of population. In today’s quest for significance, cultural diversity and achieving a shared community living environment it is important to have a basic understanding of different faiths to allow for harmony and prosperity in multi-cultural communities globally. Religion is a set of beliefs pertaining to our existence or life. The major religions of the world all have narratives, symbols and traditions that give us a reason for living. From these elements; societal morals, ethics and legal systems have originated. All religions contain three main philosophical components: a God or higher principle, self, and customs that relate the other two. Before a person can develop an understanding of a particular religion, it is important to look at what a religious tradition is telling us, what it does and how it is organized. Among all of the major religions, each has its own set of teachings, text, doctrines and stories. Religious...
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...Elements of Religious Traditions Beth Maldonado REL/ 133 July 23, 2012 Astrid Fiano Elements of Religious Traditions Religion is the most volatile and controversial word in the world. When people say the word [religion] they are invoking a strong batch of feelings, beliefs, and traditions that people are so connected to it that they are willing to die for it. Religion is a complicated system of beliefs, ideas, doctrines, ethics all proselytized by a complex system of structures and organizations. However, complicated religion may be, there are strong structural similarities between the majority of religions and some that are universal. These similar structures within religions around the world indicate that religion has the same purpose for all those who follow it, regardless of the form of religion that they follow. To show the purpose of religion, this paper will compare and contrast the Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church in particular what their religious tradition says, what their religious tradition practices and how their particular church is organized. A person may be tempted to consider various forms of monotheism to find similar structures within them but Christianity alone has many different forms of practice within it. However many forms of practices in Christianity the ultimate purpose of any religion is to provide an explanation for the unknown like death, space, and the ultimate unknown our origin. Religion tries to provide explanations to these unknowns...
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...Religion Paper REL/133 October 15, 2014 Common Practice in Religion Paper We as people have an opinion about religions whether we believe in it or do not. As a society have made religions part of our social conversations, part of our life’s, and even a day to day ritual. Too many of us go by a type of book to worship from or worship a divine being, but we follow the beliefs and customs that religion is based for. Religion means a different thing to all human beings all around the world, but in a whole it comes down to one purpose which eventually means different to everyone. Define what Religion is Religion is a word that means many different things to every human being. Though the textbook stats that religion was originally from Western Civilization. When the word religion is broken down, the word “religio” define to mean “awe to the Gods” which comes from the Latin world. Most religions use a book or a type of scripture which is part of their everyday lives and that is the main tool to guide them to their beliefs and ritual’s in many religions such as Zen Buddhism also Tribal Religion they do not use any type of scriptural text but use what they call an oral religion in which it has been passed from one generation to the other. The textbook also stats that religion is a type of system that most human beings follow by worship or a God or gods, different types of prayers, rituals, and a code of morals. Religion is mostly based on eight elements: belief system, community...
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...Common Practices in Religion Vanessa Deason REL/133 May 4, 2015 Deborah Wilkinson Common Practices in Religion Religion has several different meanings. To some religion is a way of life or a basis for moral guidance. Religion can vary depending on geographical location, families, and personal beliefs. Different parts of the world practice different religions and have different traditions or beliefs. Religions have been studied for many years and there have been interesting results from these studies. What is religion? Religion can be defined in many ways. Webster’s dictionary defines religion as a belief in a god or gods. It also defines religion as a system of beliefs and ceremonies used in worshipping a god or gods. Rituals may be performed to worship the god or gods. Rituals may be a way for the believers to show gratitude, appreciation, or respect to the god or gods. Religion may be an answer to a moral dilemma or answer the unexplainable. For instance, many religions explain the creation of the earth by a powerful god or gods. The battle between good and evil has been around since the beginning of time and several religions address that battle and guide the religion’s followers on how to ward off bad and prosper. Rituals may be performed to ward off evil spirits or gods and to ask other gods for protection. Religions are as varied as those who believe. Therefore it is a very personal choice. Religion is practiced in every part of the world. There are...
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...Hinduism Kierra Williams REL/133 June 5, 2012 Jefferey Hineline Hinduism Hinduism is such a complex religion it is a very difficult topic for individuals to study. The fact that Hindus have no specific God and they have so many different belief systems made it difficult for me to interpret. Hinduism is considered one of the world’s largest religions’s and was created in the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism is not just a religion; it is more so the way of life. It has its own beliefs and traditions. It is a group formed of diverse traditions and has no specific supernatural being or no single holy text. According to Huxley (2010) “Hinduism unites the worship of many gods with a belief in a single divine reality” (p. 78). Hindus also believes that on the death of the body the soul passes to or is reborn in another body, which is reincarnation. Sense Hindus have a strong believe in reincarnation they do not determine death as the end of life or a fear, instead they acknowledge death as a resurrection of the soul. They do not focus death on fear. Hinduism is such a powerful religion that it has persuaded the world with its informed beliefs. This particular religious group has a freedom of practice and belief. Hinduism has been a huge influence amongst the world for many years. It is a known religion that has created practices such as Yoga, Tantra, Karma, and so on. It is a religious tradition that could never really be categorized with any specific belief system for instance, theism...
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...What is Religion Carina Zamora REL/133 July 22, 2015 Charles Colclasure What is Religion What is religion? Before reading the first two chapters of my text book I thought religion were my beliefs in the spiritual world. In reality I have never really had a belief in a religion, this could possibly be due to lack of education in the topic or the various religions. I grew up being Catholic. My parents, grandparents, and family members are Catholics. I on the other hand never really understood much of what was being said in mass. Prayer was more of memorization not understanding, same with the church choir I knew some songs because I had memorized the songs, not understood the meaning of the lyrics or exactly who the Catholics were parsing. There was a few things I would not understand or agree with, I never understood the concept of praying to statues or best known as saints. I felt that if Jesus Christ or God was so powerful and what not we should have only been praying to him as well as devoting our faith to him. I never exactly questioned my parents because I did not want to upset them. Traditions in the Catholic religion or ceremonies perhaps are baptisms, first communion, some form of presentation when the child turns three years of age, confessions, weddings, and mass services for the deceased that I know of, I am sure there are more traditions I am unaware of or have probably forgot with time. Every Sunday during mass services Catholics receive what is...
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...Jainism vs. Sikhism Worksheet Rebecca Viramontes REL 133 June 2, 2015 Rev Dr Dwight Cooper ------------------------------------------------- University of Phoenix Material Jainism vs. Sikhism Part I Read the assigned chapters for the week and complete the following table. Be as specific as possible when identifying practices, beliefs, rituals, and historical elements. Cite sources in APA formatting. Core Beliefs | Jainism | Sikhism | | 1. Ahimsa- nonviolence belief means extremely gentle or harmless. This is the core belief in Jainism. It includes avoiding occupations that may harm other living animals including insects, using items made from animals such as leather and feathers. | 1. Have allowed for the religion to develop military defense. Because on the early Gurus was murdered as a martyr the military or body guard sect was formed. These soldiers are known as the Khalsa. | | 2. Non-Lying- Jains must practice telling truths. This means avoiding exaggeration and falsehoods. Nonstealing- It is practicing the basic concept of not taking any possession that is not one. Items must be giving freely. This is caused by desire and wanting to inflict pain on others. | 2. Sikhs are allowed to eat meat and do not have a diet system as strict as other Hindu religions. | | 3. Rejects the belief in a creator, instead believe that the universe was created by natural forces in motion | 3. Sikhs believe that the universe was created by one God. ...
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...Confucianism Dorcas Gray REL/133 March 30, 2015 Elizabeth Jarnagin Confucianism Confucianism is an ethical system which was founded by Confucius “Master King.” Confucianism is based on Confucius belief that all persons are capable of doing good. The core idea of Confucianism is humanitarianism, and it is often thought of as a system that regulate social groups. However, according to Molloy (2013), “Confucianism is not just the ideal of an orderly society but also the ideal of a perfect human being” (p. 230). With this information, the paper will provide information on the five great relationships according to Confucianism, the ideal person act, and the role of Confucianism in Chinese culture and society today. The Five Great Relationships According to Confucianism, relationships are perceived to be a combination of individuals interwoven, and exist as a unit despite inequalities. However, these differences give rise to the development of different class of relationships which are divided into five groups such as: • Father and son – Confucians see family as the foundation of existence and the father and son relationship as the core (Molloy, 2013, p. 231). Parents have the responsibility to provide and lay a foundation for their children. Children should at all times be respectful to their parents, and when the parents are old, children are obligation to care for them. • Older and younger brother – An older brother is expected to assume the responsibility of helping...
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...Elements of Religious Traditions Anon University of Phoenix REL/133 Professor Rossum June 22, 2011 Elements of Religious Traditions Some issues need to be addressed when a person sets out to study the topic of religion. It must first be acknowledged that every aspect of religion when viewed by two biased individuals will have varying conclusions, people gather biased ness as they age, gain worldly experiences, and can comprehend ideas on a more complex level. The ability to comprehend a different cultures rituals, prayers, pilgrimages or doctrines, inevitably becomes tainted by the observer’s current knowledge or prejudices. The textbook definition of a tradition is, “the handing down of a practice, custom, or story that is memorized and passed down from generation to generation, with or without a writing system” (Stein, Hauck, & Su, 1988, p. 1392). The traditions held sacred by different faiths can sometimes be easily comprehended and studied and other times confusing and only surmised. The amount and type of documentation or the lack thereof with each religious tradition is a critical factor when studying religions. The insight gained when studying religion and its traditions can play an important role in the relationships between two of the same faith, two of opposing faiths, a person and his or her divine, the history of his or her religion, and his or her belief in what is sacred. When referring to the sacred, it does not always mean the Deity or...
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...Elements of Religious Traditions Your name REL/133 December 13, 2012 Marcial Lopez Elements of Religious Traditions Religion is a way of life founded upon the apprehension of sacredness in existence. Religious rituals are often symbolic reenactments of a religion’s key stories. In the following paragraphs, I will explain how religious traditions describe and encourage the relationships with the divine, sacred time, sacred space or natural world. I will then include examples of various religious traditions. Relationship with the divine Divinity is the power of having attributes and the quality of being divine. In earlier times, divinity was believed to give an explanation as to why natural disasters happened. The divine reasoning for things like hurricanes, eclipses, and even volcano’s erupting were explained. Over time, the same reasoning still is the basis to explain the ways that miracles happen. People believe that divine intervention takes place and reflects the truth of the person’s religion. Being divine is sacred. In my personal experience. Relationship with sacred time Life goes on as time goes on. When it comes to sacred time, the higher power and divinity comes through. Eternity is the sacred time that most religions live by. Time has no sacredness of its own, but rather, is a tool to be redeemed and employed by humans in order to participate and celebrate the eternal. Sacred time can connect members of the same religion together. It brings congregations...
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...Buddhism Essay Candice Graham Rel/133 December 10, 2014 John Shear Buddhism Essay Buddhism is a religion with over 300 million followers around the world. Its origin is about over 2,000 years ago, and Siddhartha Gautoma, or Gotama was known as Buddha the awakened one. Buddha was open-minded to be involved in teachings because he felt as though he was awakened to have an awareness of his own nature. Buddha believed that his thinking was the only way to “prevent spiritual understanding that he had been seeking so he renounced a life or wealth, and power to become a spiritual seeker” (Hardy, 2014). The founder of Buddhism in this world is Buddha Shakyamuni. Shakyamuni was a royal prince who was born in the 6th century B.C.E. in Lumbini, located in Northern India. The Northern India is now a part of a place called Nepal. Buddhism has four spiritual teachings that they abide by, which are called the “Four Noble Truths”. When Buddha preached his first sermon he outlines the spiritual truths calling them Four Noble Truths, and these were “The suffering is characteristics of human existence, the suffering is caused by the longing of pleasure and the avoidance of pain, that it is not necessary to suffer and there is a path to end suffering” (Hardy, 2014). Buddha has gained disciples and they became his followers known as the first Sangha, who basically became part of the Buddhist community of monks. The monks were known as men because at the first only men followed Buddha...
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...Confucianism Paper Jeremiah W. Johnson REL/133 April 25, 2016 Abstract Confucianism is a belief system developed by Confucius and Chinese tradition. It encompasses the importance of educational and moral development in individuals. The perfect human being must have the qualities of saint, scholar, and gentleman. To accomplish this, one must adhere to the guidelines of the ‘Five Great Relationships and the Five Virtues.” Confucianism Paper Confucianism developed during the Spring and Autumn Period from the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius (551–479 BCE), who considered himself a retransmitted of Zhou values. Its metaphysical and cosmological elements developed in the Han Dynasty following the replacement of its contemporary, the more Taoistic Huang-Lao, as the official ideology. More privately, Chinese emperors would still make use of the historical Realpolitik of the Chinese, termed Legalism. The disintegration of the Han in the second century CE opened the way for the soteriological doctrines of Buddhism and Taoism to dominate intellectual life at that time. 5 Great Relationships According to Confucius, each person had a specific place in society and certain duties to fulfill. Confucius hoped that if people knew what was expected of them they would behave correctly. Therefore, he set up five principal relationships in which most people are involved. These relationships were (1) ruler and subject; (2) father and son; (3) elder brother and younger brother;...
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...1 Shinto REL/133: World Religious Traditions I 5/21/2014 David Bolton 2 Shinto Shinto meaning “the way of the gods”, is centered upon the relationship between practitioners and a multitude of supernatural entities called kami who are associated with all aspects of life. Being Japan’s major religion alongside Buddhism, Shinto is deeply rooted in the Japanese people and traditions, having no founder and sacred scriptures like the sutras or the bible. Shinto is an optimistic faith, there is no right or wrong, and nobody is perfect. Humans are thought to be fundamentally good and evil is believed to be caused by evil spirits. There are those in the world who reject foreign religions as heresy, and will only believe in their indisputable truth of their own faith. In Shinto, they consider this tendency to be unhealthy in human society. Believing that it is better to learn the good points from all the religions of the world, just as learning from the good actions of our parents, teachers or others in society. Shinto has an openness to foreign religions, even those of a totally different character like Buddhism. By nature, a religion has a tendency to split into several factions due to differences over interpretation...
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