Religion

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Introduction

Religion has many classifications, such as tribal, classical, transcendental and cosmological, usually based on one's belief and understandings. Religion also has many definitions, usually based on one's experience. A particular definition that I found was Religion originates in an attempt to represent and order beliefs, feelings, imaginings and actions that arise in response to direct experience of the sacred and the spiritual (Connelly, 1986). Religion also has many characteristics such as rituals, symbols and myths which play in an important part in how religion is viewed. We will take a look on how the definition, classification and characteristics of religion and how it ties into our understanding of the universe and our relationship with it.

Definition of Religion

Religion again has many definitions. Experts hint around that it's a topic that is complex, and that any definition would leave out parts that make religion what it is. Connelly states "Religion originates in an attempt to represent and order beliefs, feelings, imaginings and actions that arise in response to direct experience of the sacred and the spiritual" (Connelly, 1986). Webster's Dictionary defines religion as a system of attitudes, beliefs, and practices related to the supernatural. (Webster, 2001). Wikipedia suggests religion "as system of social coherence commonly understood as a group of beliefs or attitudes concerning an object, person, unseen or imaginary being, or system of thought considered to be supernatural, sacred, divine or highest truth, and the moral codes, practices, values, institutions, and rituals associated with such belief or system of thought. (Wikipedia, 2006).Each definition although different contains key words ...

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...iefs, the believing of something, whether it's in a God, person or animal. Second is the Spiritual aspect of the religion. Is that person, God or animal a spirit, a guiding force? Third is if these things are sacred, and held in reverence. When combined with rituals, myths (stories), and symbols; you have the beginnings of a religion. Whether it becomes a popular religion, is based on how the story is told.

References

Connelly, Paul (1986). Definition of Religion and Related Terms. Retrieved August 22nd, from http://www.darc.org/connelly/religion1.html

Webster Dictionary (2001). Definition of Religion. Retrieved August 22nd, from http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/definition/Religion

Wikipedia (2006). Religion Retrieved August 22nd, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion

Fisher, Mary Pat (2005). Living Religions (6th ed.), New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.

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