A religion or religious system is a dynamic, living reality. While it can be identified and studied through characteristics such as rituals and sacred texts, it is in essence a living thing, which is given expression through all its characteristics. As dynamic, living realities, religions help provide meaning for those who follow them.
It is not possible for any religion to exist with doctrines, but without ritual. It is practices, such as rituals, which give the doctrinal elements a lived expression. All religions need key tenets or doctrines which act as a general guide and hence unify the different communities which follow this religion. On the other hand, these key beliefs allow individual groups to re-interpret the universal meaning to make it applicable for their particular community.
Sacred texts interact with the key doctrines, as these key doctrines are contained in and expressed through these sacred writings. Furthermore, in order for religion to exist as a dynamic, living entity this doctrinal dimension, as contained in the sacred texts, must also be applicable to the practical demands of daily life. This is where ethics comes into play, as it is ethics, which embodies the doctrines in the form of laws and precepts thus allowing for the practical application of religion. In other words, ethics, which is a system of specific standards by which moral conduct can be judged, is derived from values, which underpin the religious system.
A central part of religion is response to and interaction with the supernatural or sacred. Through the understanding of the key doctrines and ethics of the religion, as contained in the sacred texts believers are able to give expression to their understanding of the divine. This element is the ritualistic dimension of religion. The believers of that religion, by partaking in worship, teaching, and prayers give expression to and come to a greater understanding of this ultimate reality.
You May Also Find These Documents Helpful
-
Religious actions and attitudes reflect who one is in one’s real self, and thus who they are in relation to his/her ultimate reality. In addition, religious symbols and rites give us the chance to participate in it, affording us the opportunity to be related to ultimate reality. Furthermore, humans view symbols, concepts, objects or acts, which create bridges in our minds, where we are transcended. Naturally, this transcendence evokes feelings related to the supernatural.…
- 479 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
Rituals and ceremonies are determined by belief and are defined as a suitable behaviour for the believers of religion. Also they often follow the ethical behaviour of the people living in the community at the time. This means that they differ from place to place, but are followed by all people in the community which makes it a dynamic, living religion.…
- 355 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays -
There are some basic Components of religious traditions. Some of the basic components are elements relating to religions all over the world regardless of what religion is being practiced. A belief system is one of the eight elements according to Molloy stating that it is a system of belief in which several beliefs fit together into an interpretation of the universe, also known as worldview. Community is another element of the religious traditions and it is a group of people sharing same ideas, stories and their faith. For example, people get together on Sundays to celebrate the Mass. Persons sing, listen to the bible and receive Communion. Myths are another way by which religions represent their traditions. For example, stories can be passed down verbally or…
- 1006 Words
- 5 Pages
Good Essays -
Religion as defined by Merriam-Webster is, “the belief in a god or in a group of gods; an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods; an interest, a belief, or an activity that is very important to a person or group” ("Religion," 2014, p. 1). However, throughout history different people have had different views and influences that have shape their definition of religion. Most religions have leaders, organized practices, holy places, and holy books or scriptures that are followed. Religions can also include mythology, dance, festivals, death ceremonies, gods, goddesses, idols, and prayer.…
- 787 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Religion can be defined in simple terms as a fundamental set of beliefs and values in regards to the creation of the universe and the powers that are responsible for such creation, usually involving one or many deities. While there are numerous religions recognized throughout the world and society, there are basic components of all religious traditions. According to Molloy (2010), scholars agree that most religions manifest themselves with 8 common elements: belief system, community, central myths, ritual, ethics, characteristic emotional experiences, material expressions, and sacredness.…
- 902 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
I am reporting to you my discoveries of religion on the planet Earth. When given this assignment to visit Earth and determine if it was religious or not I had to determine what makes a planet religious. In my research I found that religion is defined as a way of being that no matter what you stand by it and believe in its’ every state of being. Religion adds meaning and purpose to the lives of followers, granting them an appreciation of the past, an understanding of the present, and hope for the future. By definition, a religion is a belief system concerning one or more deities and incorporating rituals, ceremonies, ethical guidelines, and life philosophies. This religion is followed in everything one does on a daily basis.…
- 731 Words
- 3 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
There are eight all together, the belief system, community, central myths, ritual, ethics, characteristic emotional experiences, material expressions, and sacredness. When humans are raised in a particular setting it is easy to become narrow minded, but if one was to step back and examine the eight previously mentioned concepts, it would seem many religions have more in common than what is on the surface. Examining how a religion gets is message out would be a start, from different teachings through texts, doctrines, stories, and myths. Next would be what do different religions do, from worship to prayer pilgrimage, and rituals. Then how do religions organize themselves, most have some kind construct, or hierarchy. Religions look to leaders and have social relationships, and most religions promote some kind of outreach to the community. (Malloy,…
- 826 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
Religion is belief that social norms, traditions, myths and symbols will impart wisdom, comfort, hope and balance and enable one to transcend death…
- 1137 Words
- 5 Pages
Good Essays -
Religion is a system of beliefs and practices that attempts to order life in terms of culturally perceived ultimate priorities.…
- 526 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Religion- religion means what we believe in and our faith. Religion is a collection of beliefs, culture and world views. Many religions presents by symbols, traditions and sacred histories to give meaning to the life, or explain the universe.…
- 794 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
When we think of religion we often think of going to Church on Sunday to listen to hymns performed by the choir and preaching. The true definition of religion is that it’s an organized collection of beliefs, cultural systems, and world views that relate to humanity to an order of existence. In other words it’s where a group of likeminded believers join to express and share what they believe in collectively. Throughout the world there were five major religions Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Judaism. Today there are roughly 4,200 types of religions with New Age being the fastest growing religion today .…
- 1522 Words
- 7 Pages
Powerful Essays -
The definition of religion as taught to me in class is bind or to come together. There are many religions that are practiced worldwide. They have different histories, adherents, Gods, meanings of life, afterlife beliefs, practices, and books containing text that guides them through their spiritual journey. From Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism, to Islamism, Judaism, and Rastafarianism, etc., religion offers diverse teachings. But they all have one thing in common, keeping the tradition.…
- 1738 Words
- 7 Pages
Good Essays -
Religion is a common set of belief held by different individuals available within a society. Religion concerns itself with purpose, cause, and nature considered for the creation of a superhuman agency fitted with several moral codes. The codes provide guidance on how humans should conduct themselves throughout their life time. Religious beliefs are known to fall into a pattern of 8 different elements such as the belief system, community, central myths, rituals, an ethical system, experiences of the emotions, expressing religion in a material manner, and the ability of being sacred (Jacobs, 2005).…
- 899 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
Beliefs are put into words through sacred texts and writings. These help people to make sense of and understand their beliefs.…
- 380 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays -
Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that relate humanity to spirituality and sometimes, to moral values (Talal, 1982). Religions most notably are represented by symbols, stories, traditions or anything that tends to explain the meaning of life or the creation of earth and its beings. Each religion has its take on morality, ethics, religious laws, and lifestyle. Many religions have determined behaviors which include meetings or worship services. During these services they are worshipping their deity or praying to him or her. In observing religion, you may also see other services that members may be involved in which include sacrifices, revivals, feasts or dinners, initiations, funerals, marriage ceremonies, meditations, music, dances, and art.…
- 410 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays