Characterisitics of Religion

Question 1

4 key characteristics of religion?

Answer 1

Beliefs and believers
* Sacred texts and writings
* Ethics
* Rituals and ceremonies

Question 2

What r the other characterostics of religion?

Answer 2

Structures
* Saints
* Sacred symbols
* Architecture
* Cosmologies
* What others can you think of?
(many others, overlaps between all
these categories)

Question 3

What are central beliefs for :
Christianity
* Judaism
* Islam
* Hinduism
* Buddhism

Answer 3

Again no answers !

Here are the central beliefs for each of the religions you mentioned:

1. Christianity:
   
   • Belief in one God, Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit.
   • Acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Son of God
   • Belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ,
   • Adhere to Bible, as a guide for living a moral and spiritual life.
2. Judaism:
   
   • Belief in one God, who is the creator of the universe and the source of all existence.
   • Adherence to the Torah: core of the religious Judaic tradition
   • The importance of living a righteous life guided by the commandments and ethical principles outlined in the Torah /sacred texts.
   • Expectation of the coming of the Messiah: bring redemption to the Jewish people /usher era of peace and harmony.
3. Islam:
   
   • Belief in one God (Allah): compassionate and merciful, and sole creatorof the universe.
   • Acceptance of Muhammad as the last and final prophet, who received the revelations of the Quran: which serves as a guide for all aspects of life.
   • Adherence to the Five Pillars of Islam: Shahada (declaration of faith), Salat (ritual prayer), Zakat (charitable giving), Sawm (fasting during the month of Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).
   • Belief in the Day of Judgment: individuals will be held accountable for their actions / deeds during their lifetime.
4. Hinduism:
   
   • Belief in a supreme reality (Brahman) that underlies the whole universe and is manifested in various forms, known as deities or gods.
   • Acceptance of the concept of karma, the law of cause and effect :determines one’s destiny based on their actions and choices.
   • Recognition of the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara), and the pursuit of liberation (moksha) from this cycle through spiritual practice and self-realization.
   • Emphasis on the notion of dharma, which encompasses duty, righteousness, and moral responsibility in one’s life.
5. Buddhism:
   
   • Recognition of the Four Noble Truths, which highlight the nature of suffering, its causes, the cessation of suffering, and the path leading to the cessation of suffering.
   • Acceptance of the concept of impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and non-self (anatta) as fundamental aspects of existence.
   • Practice of the Noble Eightfold Path, which serves as a guide to achieve enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of suffering and rebirth (samsara).
   • Emphasis on mindfulness, meditation, and ethical conduct as integral components of the path to enlightenment (nirvana).

Question 4

What are the sacred texts for 5 major world religions ?

Answer 4

Bible, Torah, Quran, Veda, The Tripitaka

for Christianity, Judaism, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhism in order of above

Question 4

What are ethics ?

Answer 4

the branch of knowledge that deals with moral principles

Question 5

What is an example of an ethical teaching from each of
the 5 major world religions?

Answer 5

1. Christianity:
   
   • “Do to others as you would have them do to you,” - underscores the significance of empathy and compassion.
2. Islam:
   
   • The concept of Zakat, or the act of giving to those in need, is a fundamental pillar of Islam.- seen as a way to purify one’s wealth and soul.
3. Hinduism:
   
   • Ahimsa, or the principle of non-violence, is a core ethical teaching in Hinduism - promotes compassion and peaceful coexistence. Ahimsa : belief that all life is interconnected and that harming others ultimately harms oneself.
4. Buddhism:
   
   • The principle of the Noble Eightfold Path: promotes the cultivation of wholesome actions, speech, and livelihood, fostering a sense of responsibility and mindfulness in one’s behavior.
5. Judaism:
   
   • The concept of Tikkun Olam, which translates to “repair of the world,” is central to Jewish ethical teachings: each person has a responsibility to make the world a better place through acts of kindness, charity, and pursuing justice.

Question 6

Explain why rituals and
ceremonies are important to religious
traditions?

Answer 6

1. Preservation of Tradition:
2. Expression of Faith:
3. Community Cohesion:
4. Transmitting Values:
5. Creating Sacred Space and Time: .
6. Marking Life Transitions:
7. Enhancing Spiritual Experience:

Question 7

Explain ‘Religion is dynamic and living’

Answer 7

refers to the idea that religious traditions are not static or unchanging but rather adapt and evolve in response to various ‘social, cultural, and historical contexts’.

religions are not confined to a fixed set of beliefs, practices, or interpretations but are shaped by the experiences and interactions of their followers over time