...Elements of Religious Traditions Name University of Phoenix REL/134 Instructor Date Elements of Religious Traditions Religion is a big part of today’s society; it has always been a big part of society. What is religion? The dictionary definition of religion is a system of beliefs that involves worship of a god, prayer, ritual and a moral code. Not all religions follow those guidelines, so it is not an accurate definition. Instead we look at a number of characteristics such as a belief system, community, ritual beliefs, and ethics. Below will discuss the relationship with the divine, sacred time, sacred space, the natural world, and how religion affects humans. Religious traditions encourage humans to worship the divine. The divine is another term for a god, great mother or Great Spirit. For example, Catholics often consider Mary the mother of Jesus a saint and holy. Mary is worshiped and considered divine by the Catholic faith. Mary is believed to possess superhuman powers and is a strong role model for women, in the Catholic faith (Molloy, 2010). How do religious traditions describe and encourage Relationships with sacred time and sacred space? Our everyday life happens in ordinary time. Sacred time is the time of eternity. Sacred space is believed to always return to its origins for renewal. Different cultures refer to sacred time differently. For example, the Koyukon people of the Arctic refer to it as distant time. The Australian aborigines often...
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...Elements of Religious Traditions paper In today’s world, there are many religions and, they all practice and worship in different ways. They all have certain beliefs, certain rituals and, traditions that they carry. This paper will explain how religious traditions describe and encourage the relationship with the divine; the relationship with the sacred time; the relationship with sacred space or the natural world; and the relationship with each other. This paper will also identify key critical issues in the study of religion. The relationship with the divine is understanding of the divine such as whom or what is sacred. Monotheism meaning one God relates to religions like Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Polytheism meaning many gods relate to religions like Hinduism, Zen Buddhism and, many religions of ancient civilizations. Pantheism which, is drawn from Polytheism means all of nature. God is everything and everything is God. The concept of being or existence is how these religions see their Gods. Most Polytheism beliefs are that their gods come in the form an actually being such as calves, people, statues, physical things. Monotheism believes that God is a spirit, cannot be seen, but felt. They believe that the spirit can hear see and watch you’re observing how these religions have relationships with sacred time. To know the relationship of sacred times, we will need to know what sacred time is. Sacred time is how the religion is observed. Some religions fast or feast...
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...TermPaperWarehouse.com - Free Term Papers, Essays and Research DocumentsThe Research Paper FactoryJoinSearchBrowseSaved Papers Home Page » Religion Topics Elements of Religious Tradition Rel/134 In: Religion Topics Elements of Religious Tradition Rel/134 Elements of Religious Tradition UoP Student REL/134 October 24, 2011 UoP Facilitator Elements of Religious Tradition Religious traditions influence people and even more important cultures across the world on a daily basis. Religions have many differing views on what or who represents the divine and offer many perspectives on exactly how to worship or pay respect to those identified as the divine. The subsequent paragraphs will investigate how religious traditions describe and encourage relationships with the divine, sacred time, sacred space or the natural world and relationships with each other will ensure a more thorough understanding of differing religions. Additionally, providing several examples from various religious traditions will go one step farther in enhancing that understanding. The foundation to any successful religious belief is to establish a relationship with the divine. The Divine Since the dawn of time spiritual relationships with the Divine have been prevalent as part of the human existence in the natural world. Different religions refer to the sacred by various names such as Great Spirit, the Holy, the Divine, the Great Mother, the Ultimate, and the Absolute. One of the most...
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...Religious Traditions and Religious Studies Shawn Wittenberg University of Phoenix World Religious Traditions II REL 134 Roger Baumann April 13, 2014 Religious Traditions and Religious Studies Religious beliefs and customs have been ongoing since the dawn of time yet there are those who always believe different than others or try to say their religion is the only true religion. I look at religion differently than others and for so long there was an agnostic quality to my beliefs yet I have since found religion and having that said this paper will focus on the relationship with the divine, the relationship of sacred time, the relationship with the natural world or that sacred place, and finally the relationship with each other. Why is it that we have one true thing in common amongst the topics it is a relationship status that starts with a belief or custom. Having a relationship is to partner or relate too something or someone. Is that all religion is, a relationship with similar people over a similar belief or custom. What is divine and how would someone have a relationship with the divine? Divine is simply put as pertaining to God or a supreme being or devoted to a god (www.Dictionary.com). So an individual may have a relationship with divine on a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual basis. I myself have relationship with my lord and savior Jesus Christ in the form of Christianity while others may have different god or Supreme Being they follow. Religious customs and...
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...Religious Traditions A religious persons' world views a transcendent dimension to life- that there is a supernatural power beyond humans beings. Religion has different meanings to different people, it is based on how a person is swayed by the people who raised them. It could have been a experience that is traumatic which can push someone to follow a different life in terms of religion. The everyday lives of all people are made up of rituals and traditions. Christians worship God, who they believe is the creator of the entire world. Muslims who worship Mohammed, in which they believe is a prophet from God, Buddhist believe in Buddha, and Hindus believe in Brahma. This paper will explain how religious traditions describe and encourage the following relationships: with the divine, with sacred time, with sacred space or the natural world, and with each other. It will also identify key critical issues in the study of religion with specific examples on Hinduism such as their traditions and beliefs, which I am familiar with. People around the world worship something, depending on their beliefs. Relationships A spiritual relationship with God, gods, spirits, or nature in which humans have had since the dawn of time of the natural world. Humans looked at nature as something to be sacred, as well as something to be worshiped with the divine. Native religions which are called animism, believe that everything in the world is alive, such as: trees, animals and humans...
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...Elements of Religious Tradition Elements of Religious Tradition Religious traditions are practices followed for generations. These customs are normally reenactments or symbolic activities done in remembrance of an event. The Christian faith practices a tradition of Holy Communion or Eucharist. Communion is a ceremony where church members eat bread and drink wine in an intimate encounter with Christ. A reenactment of the biblical Last Supper, the church attempts to partake spiritually of the Lord, fellowship with believers, remember his mercy for salvation, and anticipate his second coming. Text The Baptist church refers to the Holy Bible for guidance on spiritual matters. Communion references are found in many New Testament books, including Corinthians, Matthew, John, Psalms, and Ephesians. Communion is a symbolic act of obedience memorializing Jesus’ death and a reminder of his return. Breaking of the bread resembles the Lord’s body broken and sacrificed for the forgiveness of sins (1Cor 11:24). Drinking of wine signifies the Lord’s blood, shed for atonement (1Cor 10:16). Teaching The Last Supper is a major event in Jesus’ earthly life. It is the last dinner the Jesus had with his 12 disciples. During this meal Jesus predicts his suffering and crucifixion. He provides followers with symbols of remembrance of his sacrifice; the bread and wine as his body and blood. Jesus describes principals for a Christian life and hope of his return for his people. The...
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...Religious Traditions Yvette Stone June 2nd, 2014 REL 134 Roy Rehberg Religious Traditions Throughout the world today, there are many traditions that are observed and passed on by multiple different religions. In the Christian religion, there are several traditions that are recognized through celebrating holidays. A couple of the more common holidays celebrated by Christians are Easter and Christmas. Celebrating these holidays explains the relationship with the divine, sacred time, sacred space, and with each other. With all religions, there is always going to be conflict. In the next few paragraphs, Easter and Christmas will be explained as to why there is a relationship with the divine, sacred time, sacred space, and with each other and the issues that come with these holidays among the world today. Easter is a time to celebrate rebirth, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and in the Mormon faith the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Celebrating Easter is literally remembering our savior and redeemer Jesus Christ and what he had gone through to save all mankind. Jesus is the literal son of God, the holy one, the divine. By remembering the son of God, we are building and renewing our relationship with the divine one. Setting aside a sacred time to remember Jesus Christ and contemplating the agony, pain, grief, torture, and turmoil he went through to make it possible to return to our Father in Heaven once again is...
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...Detecting Media Bias Teresa Liles HUM/114 December 10, 2012 Christopher Page Detecting Media Bias Same-sex marriage has been an on-going battle for many years. California’s opposition to same-sex marriage, Proposition 8, barely passed in the 2008 election. Same-sex marriage has been a news-worthy topic since 1997 when Hawaii passed a Domestic Partnership policy which triggered other states to change policies as well. This issue started a state-to-state debate of whether same-sex couples should have the same rights that heterosexual, married couples have. This debate between states has reached a Congressional level. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear two cases surrounding this on-going debate. The cases the Court will hear are related to allowable benefits for same-sex partners, and California’s ban on gay marriage. The New York Times’ article about the Supreme Court taking up the same-sex marriage issue was clear and accurate. There were good statistics about states’ involvements in the on-going debate. There were hyper-links to other topics related to this article such as Social Security benefits, estate taxes, Proposition 8, and domestic partnerships in specific states. The facts that were reported in this New York Times’ article were specific and detailed enough to gather the message of the topic being presented. Other facts that support the topic, although not detailed in this report, allow for readers to research further at their own will, using the provided links...
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...Religious Traditions and Religious Studies Religious Traditions and Religious Studies Historically, religion has influenced the decision making of humankind throughout the world. The decision of believers has significant impacts on how society is governed. The study of religion in most cases begins at an early age. An individual’s childhood beliefs and values influence their religious practices, as an adult. The predominant religion of a region, also influence an individual to practice a religion. Religion and religious beliefs has received notable attention in an effort to resolve social, ecological and economic issues that plague our nation. Governments around the world understand the need to develop sustainable relationships with religious organizations. Developing sustainable relationships requires defining the term religion in a matter that respects all cultures, and developing an understanding of the common elements of religion. The question of why does religion exist is the premise of understanding human life and life after death. There have been many wars because of religious differences. The beliefs of religious followers argue one religion is right and another is wrong is a critical issue. Some believers think they have been given special gifts and talent that only one religion possesses. Interpretations of religion are studied through the common approaches to religion. The common approaches includes, psychology, mythology, philosophy, theology, anthropology...
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...Elements of Religious Traditions World Religious Traditions ll REL/134 Elements of Religious Traditions Religious traditions play significant role in the lives of human beings around the world. There are different meanings for religion and the simplest definition of religion is that it is a belief system or cultural system that helps reconnect the human reality with the sacred world by being a moral guide for the way human beings live (CCSU, n. d.). There are eight elements in religious traditions, belief system, a community, central myth stories, rituals, ethics, characteristic emotional experiences, material expression, and sacredness(Molly & Hilgers, 2010). In this paper the following topics will be discussed, religious traditions and its relationships, key critical issues in the study of religion, and examples from various religious traditions. Relationship With the Divine From the beginning of the human life, spiritual relationships with the Divine have been common as part of the human survival in the natural world. Different religions state to the sacred by different names based on their beliefs. They call it as Great Spirit, the Holy, the Divine, and the Absolute. A person’s relationship with the divine depends on many events and teachings that he or she experiences throughout her or his life. Having a relationship with the divine, people are able to reach their ultimate goal of the religion in which a person or culture follows. The...
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...The Elements of Religious Traditions The Elements of Religious Traditions Brian E. Johnson, Sr. REL/134 Lewis Hoye, Instructor University of Phoenix This paper represents a discussion on the basic elements that comprise religious traditions. Included will be descriptions of the basic components of religious traditions along with the relationship they have with the divine, sacred time, sacred space and with each other. Also included will be discussion of what religious traditions say, what religious traditions do, and how they are organized. What makes a religion a religion? How does it affect the people that believe in it? How is religion affected by culture and vice versa? Religious study has evolved into a very complex academic endeavor. Whether it began as an attempt to either prove or disprove religion is not clear. What is evident is that most human cultures are profoundly shaped by the religious traditions of their respective regions. Studying religion will help one to gain perspective on the people that practice as well as the society in which they live. It has been noted that in studying religion, one brings their own beliefs into the process. Whether this is a help or hindrance is not as important as the fact that there are ways by which one can at least attempt to remain objective in the study of religion. What makes a religion a religion? Scholars have recognized that although the components may look different, there are certain elements, usually eight...
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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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.... Religious Traditions Ramon LYRACH REL/134 02/10/2011 David Quak Religious Traditions Introduction: According to the text (2010), religion is a system of belief that involves worship of God or Gods, ritual, and moral code. There are numerous different religions, several have resemblances, and others do not. Many of these religions are passed from century to century, carrying ancient traditions, and ceremonies. Relationship: Regardless of the differences in religious values and practices certain basics in religion stay the same. Religion has different meanings to different people. The everyday lives of people are made up of rituals and traditions. Christians worship God, who they believe is the creator of the entire world. Muslims believe in one God, who is the sole and sovereign ruler of the universe and Mohammed (peace be upon him) who is his final messenger, Buddhist believe in Buddha, and Hindus believe in Brahma. Religious traditions encourage relationships with the Divine, with sacred time, with sacred space or natural world, and connection with one another. Devine: Since the beginning of time spiritual relationships with the Divine have been widespread as part of the human survival...
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...Elements of Religious Traditions REL/134 Elements of Religious Traditions Studying religion can enrich one’s life in many ways. First, it is important to understand the basic elements of religious traditions by focusing on important religious relationships, and critical issues in the study of religion. Important Religious Relationships There are many important relationships in religions. These include relationships with the divine, with sacred time, with sacred space and the natural world, and with other religions. The Divine An important part of religion is a relationship with the divine, or sacred reality, and can be presented in many different ways. In monotheistic religions, the divine is referred to as God. God is thought of as having power over the universe and is unlimited by ordinary reality. Pantheism sees nature as the divine, and believes that everything is connected to nature. Polytheism believes in many gods, usually in charge of different aspects of reality. For example, Poseidon was the Greek God of the sea while Aphrodite was the God of love (Molloy & Hilgers, Chapter 1, 2010). Sacred Time Religions that emphasize creation such as Christianity and Judaism believe that time is linear, with a beginning and an end. This makes time a valuable commodity because it is limited. Other religions such as Hinduism believe that time repeats itself in cycles. Emphasis on time is not as important in these religions, as they tend to focus on the present,...
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...Elements of Religious Traditions Paper When speaking about religious beliefs, many things can come to your mind and need to be considered. When beginning this topic let’s start off with defining what “religion” means According to "Dictionary" (2013), “it is a set of beliefs usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often have a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs “. By this definition we can say that religion has personal meanings depending on the individual’s beliefs or what they are influenced by. In the following paper elements of religion will be introduced, the relationship with divine will be reviewed followed by the relationship with sacred time, the relationship with scared space, and lastly an examination of how these all relate to each other will be conducted. This paper will also review the critical issues that are presented when studying religion. Relationship with Divine In religious beliefs when speaking about divine the first thing that comes to mind for me is what is called a deity, considered to be supernatural people that are considered being sacred and divine. The meaning of the word divine is “godlike” which makes deities to be perceived as divine because of their supernatural powers individuals believe they have. But not in every religious belief do they have deities’ some beliefs such as; According to Molloy and Hilgers (2010), “The religion Zen Buddhism does not worship a divine being” (Chapter 1). Others such as for example...
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