Religion as a Humanities

Running Head : Religion as a Humanities

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Definitions of Religion

Religion can be defined as having belief in something that exists , is real and can be visible or invisible . It can also be defined as a specific belief system involving certain rituals concerning a deity or deities and is incorporated in the lives of human beings (Beit-Hallahmi B , 1991

Elements of Religion

Myths - These are stories /theories trying to explain the origin of a specific thing

Symbols - These are drawings /words

used to describe specific thinking or idea

Central beliefs - These are central teachings abut the origin of specific information for instance Christianity . Central beliefs are traditional teachings that Jesus is the son of God , second person of the Trinity of God the Father

Nature of the divine

Theism - This is the belief that there exists God or gods

Deism - This is the belief that a god or gods however do not involve in the events of human beings

Pantheism - This is the idea that the universe is part and parcel of God

Polytheism - This is the idea that several gods and /or deities are in existence

Monotheism - This is the idea that there is only one God

Henotheism - This is the belief that there are several gods but only one God who is supreme

Cosmology

This is the study of the entire universe and also covers the position of the human being in the universe

Morality and Ethics

Both terms are often used as if they have the same meaning . Morality and ethics have something to do with the realization of good and bad

Sacred texts

This is a text which deals with the religious matters . The texts are believed to be wholly divine and their origin is perceived as inspired spiritually for instance the Bible

Practices and Rituals

These are religious activities executed by followers of a specific religion . These activities are performed for worship and also they are intended to protect against various kinds of dangers as well as exorcising evil influences

Significant Individuals

Founders - These are individuals who started a specific religion . For instance , Christianity was started by Jesus Christ

Shamans - These are individuals considered to be indigenous healers who are capable of altering their consciousness in to obtain knowledge and power from the world of the spirits so as to help woe the members of their tribes

Holy persons - These are individuals who aim at doing everything well and are ashamed or doing wrongful deeds

Teachers - These are individual having relevant knowledge on specific issues . Religious teachers are persons who normally teach issues related to their specific religion

Ascetics - These are individuals who perceive their practices , are always virtuous and they practice them so that they can attain spirituality

Material Arts

This is physical expression of ideas . It is the creative output by an individual formed by the mind

Differences between Eastern and Western religions

World - This is the place where organisms live . In another context this may mean the activities...