Human Nature and Human Diversity

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Over the years, religion has played an important role in the development of the world. Religion has helped guide many in the right direction and create a meaning to life. As defined in the dictionary, religion the set of beliefs pertaining to the nature, cause, and purpose of the universe while including ritual and devotional observances. Religion often includes a moral code along with submission to a higher power or authority (Dictionary). There are hundreds of religions that are practiced around the world today. Some of the major known religions today include Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and so on. However, there are some religions that may not be well-known to people such as Sikhism. The religion is followed by about 20 million people known as Sikhs in the world. Sikhism is a branch of the Indian religion that separated from Hinduism when it was founded in the 16th century by Guru Nanak. The religion is based on his teachings along with the 9 Sikh gurus who follow him.

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion most often practiced in the Punjab province of India. The faith began around 1500 CE when the Guru Nanak was teaching a faith different from Hinduism and Islam at the time. There were nine gurus that followed Guru Nanak in his teachings and helped to develop the faith of Sikhism. By the time the fifth guru, known as Guru Arjun, Sikhism was well established. Guru Arjun had declared the capital for the Sikh world as Amritsar and had declared the official Sikh scripture as Adi Granth. Guru Arjun was executed because Sikhism was seen as a threat by the state during the time. However, the sixth Guru Hargobind continued to keep the Sikh faith alive. With the help of the gurus, the Sikh community fought many ...

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...uld interfere in God’s work. It is a sin to take a life as most Sikhs believe that life begins at conception. Organ donation is allowed in Sikhism as it is a way of helping others in need. It teaches to put others before oneself and give sacrifice when needed. One of the greatest things one can do in Sikhism is save another person’s life. Euthanasia is usually not allowed in Sikhism as once again it destroys or kills God’s creation. Life is a gift from God and should be left for him to decide when it should be born and ended. Sikhs have to learn to use life in a responsible way in which God would approve.

Works Cited

"Religion." Dictionary. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 May 2014. .

"Religion: Sikhism." BBC. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 May 2014. .

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