Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Religion Questions Discussion
Definition of religion
Religion is a strong personal conviction or belief in the existence of a God or gods by a group of people or a particular sect. It is strict faithfulness to particular traditional practices or cultural practices that usually have been in existence for long periods of time that seeks to explain the meaning of life, after life, spiritual concerns and the origin of life. There is usually moral code of ethics or behavioral practices that exists within its people. These moral codes seek to address the way people treat each other including the outsiders and how to associate when life challenges occurs.
Characteristics that make something a religion
There are several characteristics that make something a religion. One very major component of a religion is the belief in the existence of supernatural being. That supernatural being is believed to be the creator of both humanity and the moral codes. Religion is practiced by a group of people who share the same beliefs.
Sacred places are also an important component in a religion. These are usually distinct in nature and help its followers identify with easily. In the presence of sacred objects or sacred places, the followers have certain feelings in acknowledging the presence of a super being. These feelings may be about guilt, gratitude, adoration or hopelessness. There are communications or interactions with these supernatural beings. One commonly practiced activity is prayer. This is done by a single person or groups of people and can be either quiet or loud
The reason why religion needs to be organized
Religion needs to be organized. This is important factor in determining the conduct(s) of its people. This organization usually holds historical meanings. There are social practices that are vital to its members. There are some religions that require its ministers to undergo certain studies or experiences. This is an important tool in helping its members in understanding the world and their role in it. Some religions conduct sacrifices at certain times in approved places in an organized manner. Organization is an important tool in helping the members navigate through the world and identifying themselves in it.
Difference between religion and spirituality
Most people do not know how to differentiate religion from spirituality. Whereas religion is about beliefs in someone else’s experience through historical recorded information like The Bible or the Quran, spirituality is more personal as it involves self experiences or self believes. Most religions are guided by strict ideologies and set rules that are important to its members. These rules must be observed by its members and are guidelines for ensuring that the people navigate life’s events. Spirituality on the other hand is personal and people are encouraged to be guided by their own intuitions and judgment by the heart
The importance of having a god(s) to make something a religion
One important component that makes religion an important practice is the presence of a god(s) or God. This is either a spiritual being that is not seen, but believed to exist or through creating objects that are worshipped by its followers. God can be defined as the perfect and all powerful ruler of the universe who and has all answers to many mysteries that exists in the world.
Reasons that make people religious
There are many reasons that make people religious. The most commonly known reason is the generational cycle that passes from generations to generations. Childhood indoctrinations are a common reason people find themselves religious. Traditions that have been in existence in their family are followed. Fear is a strong emotion that makes people choose to be religious. The most common fear is fear of death and what happens afterwards. That has been the greatest misery that religion seems to be the only entity that holds the answers and comforts people to accepting it
Impacts of culture on religion and vice-versa
The society and culture are guided by specific and distinct codes of behavior. The common practice of religion is an empirical factor that binds these two together. Most religions practice specific values that guide its people in defining their behavioral conducts, in their beliefs and their lifestyles which are important components of culture. An appropriate example of these values in example of Christianity is structured in ‘the ten commandments’. But in almost all religions, the followers uphold five most important values. These are truth, love, peace, justice, and right conduct. And there is an important impact of cultures on religions.
Positive aspects of religions
There are a number of positive aspects that have been brought about by religion. The most common visible impact that religion has brought to mankind is in the world of architecture. Most religions have distinct and unique buildings that separate them from one another. Most notable examples are the Muslim domes and the cathedral buildings. Art has also largely been attributed to religions. Some religions have inspired some gifted individuals to do creative work in sculptures that are easily identifying religious beliefs of different people. There has been and still are beautiful paintings that have existed over the years in different faiths. Music is one of the greatest components that religions practice. Each religion practice some unique music that is distinct from each other
Values of religions in society
Religion has played a vital role in the values of today’s society. It is the glue that connects mankind and teaches the importance of a quality life. It is a form of refuge in the society that is afflicted by pain or loss. In this regard it preaches on the importance of letting go. One of the most common teachings in many religions is the importance of service to all and moving beyond that cocoon of selfishness. It teaches doing good things to all and getting rewards later on in life. It is crucial to note that religion is an important factor in molding the morality of a society. It guides people in identifying the right actions that are morally right, hence it provides a common understanding of moral standards. In early childhood education, religion plays a crucial role in districting the boundary of good to bad.
Negative aspects of religion
It is however important to identify the negative aspects of religion. The most common one brings about fear. That is one reason that drives people to practice religion in the first place. Fear of not acting in certain ways or ignoring certain externally imposed moral conducts that may result in punishment. Another important aspect of religion is that it preaches self hate or even hating others when one perceives him/herself to be an outcast for choosing alternative ways of acting that are not conforming to expected standard moral codes.
Another important aspect of religion to note is that it creates a comfort zone to discovering life’s mysteries. While life gives human beings a chance to discover and explore life as a continuous lesson, religion brings about settling for historical discoveries that have been in existence over many years. It is common knowledge that religion has in bad tastes led to religious wars between sects or groups of people that do not share the same ideals and beliefs and forcefully push others to share they have common practices.
Values of learning about religion of the world
There exists an important lesson about religions of the world to mankind. One of the most notably distinct rules that of practicing empathy. Empathy is an important lesson that is taught and widely practiced by many religious sects. It is very important to note that religion has placed charity and selflessness as an important culture that is practiced by successful people. Religion has continually preached on the importance of giving back to the less fortunate in our communities. It advocates on the need to search and pursue achievements rather than material possession. And in this regard, there are more human interactions within the people.
Socializing is an important component that enhances growth and development in any community. In addition, religion plays a major role in increased interactions between people to share good moral standings in the society. Most religions explain about the importance of being in the present and doing good to get rewards in the afterlife. Buddhism practices self awareness and meditations that are important healthy values. Being responsible for actions is another important value that is deducted from religion.
The detriments of not learning the religion of the world
Besides religion playing a positive impacts in the modern world, there exists detrimental impacts that are clear. For centuries, religion has played an executive role in passing and enacting laws that are clearly blatantly wrong. Religions have caused extreme punishments to crimes such as adulteries and thievery. Although religion is a traditional voluntary belief, it has contributed to harsh punishments on certain choices like abortion, homosexuality or the use of contraception.