Introduction to Religion and Beliefs

Defining Religion

• Religion is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that transcends cultural boundaries.
• It encompasses beliefs about the supernatural, rituals to connect with deities, and ethical codes that guide behavior.

Religious Phenomena Across Cultures

• Humans across cultures exhibit a remarkable tendency to develop beliefs about the supernatural.
• These beliefs often involve spirits, deities, or other entities that exist beyond the realm of the physical world.

Key Concepts in Religion

• Animism: This belief system posits that all living and non-living things have spirits or souls.
• Polytheism: This system involves the worship of multiple gods or goddesses.
• Monotheism: This system centers on the belief in a single, supreme deity.
• Institutionalized Religion: Religions often develop formal structures, organizations, and traditions.
• Religious Practitioners: These individuals (priests, shamans, etc.) mediate between the spiritual world and the human realm.

Religious Activities

• Magic: This involves using rituals or practices to influence events or control the supernatural.
• Divination: This seeks to gain information about the past, present, or future through various techniques.
• Sacrifices: Offerings (animals, food, or objects) are made to appease deities or gain their favor.

Evolution of Religion

• Religion has evolved over time, reflecting changes in human societies.
• Ancient civilizations developed complex religious systems with sophisticated mythologies, rituals, and beliefs.

Religious Organizations and Cults

• Religious Organizations vary in structure and their relation to society.
• Cults are groups with distinctive beliefs and practices that often differ significantly from mainstream religions.

Health & its Domains

• The World Health Organization (WHO) views health as a fundamental human right.
• WHO defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
• There are five key domains of health:
  • Physical
  • Psychological
  • Emotional
  • Social
  • Spiritual

Culture-Specific Syndromes in the Philippines

• Bughat and usog are examples of culture-specific syndromes in the Philippines.
• Bughat describes a state of being easily irritated or angered, often linked to negative emotions or experiences.
• Usog is believed to be a form of "evil eye" that can cause illness or misfortune, particularly in children.

Systems of Diagnosis, Prevention, and Healing

• There are three main systems of diagnosis, prevention, and healing:
  • Traditional medicine
  • Western medicine
  • Alternative healing