Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems PDF

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems Quarter 3 – Module 1 Understanding the Nature of Religion, Origin of World Religions, Effects of Religions Department of Education Republic of the Philippines Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems Alternative Delivery Mode Quarter 3 – Module 1: Understanding the Nature of Religion, Origin of World Religions, Effects of Religions First Edition, 2020 Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for profit. Such agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties. Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names, trademarks, etc.) included in this book are owned by their respective copyright holders. Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership over them. Published by the Department of Education – Region X – Northern Mindanao. Development Team of the Module Writers: Marben A. Oco, Benedicto C. Flores Jr., Kimnard Joseph M. Duat, Mark Gil G. Cuajao, Kevin Ken M. Pandan Content Editor: Language Editor: Proofreader: Ritzy D. Mutia, Ph. D. Illustrator: Layout Artist: Development Team: Chairperson: Dr. Arturo B. Bayocot, CESO III Regional Director Co-Chairpersons: Dr. Victor G. De Gracia Jr. CESO V Assistant Regional Director Jonathan S. dela Peña, PhD, CESO V Schools Division Superintendent Rowena H. Para-on, PhD Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Mala Epra B. Magnaong, Chief ES, CLMD Members: Neil A. Improgo, PhD, EPS-LRMS; Bienvenido U. Tagolimot, Jr., PhD, EPS-ADM; Erlinda G. Dael, PhD, CID Chief; Maria Teresa M. Absin, EPS (English); Celieto B. Magsayo, LRMS Manager; Loucile L. Paclar, Librarian II; Kim Eric G. Lubguban, PDO II Printed in the Philippines by Department of Education - Alternative Delivery Mode (DepEd-ADM) Office Address: Masterson Avenue, Upper Balulang, Zone 1, Cagayan de Oro City, Cagayan de Oro, Lalawigan ng Misamis Oriental Telefax: ________________________________________________ E-mail Address: ________________________________________________ i SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems Quarter 3 – Module 1 Understanding the Nature of Religion, Origin of World Religions, Effects of Religions This instructional material was collaboratively developed and reviewed by educators from public and private schools, colleges, and/or universities. We encourage teachers and other education stakeholders to email their feedback, comments, and recommendations to the Department of Education at [email protected]. We value your feedback and recommendations. Department of Education Republic of the Philippine ii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No. OVERVIEW What I Need To Know 1 What Should I Expect 1 Things to Remember To Get Through 2 Lesson 1- Understanding the Nature of Religion What I Need To Know 3 What I Know 3 What's New 5 What Is It 5 What's More 12 What I Can Do 13 Post Assessment 14 What I Have Learned 15 Lesson 2 – Origin of World Religions What I Need To Know 16 What I Know 16 What’s In 17 What's New 18 What Is It 18 What's More 30 What I Can Do 31 Post Assessment 32 What I Have Learned 33 Lesson 3 – Effects of Religion What I Need To Know 34 What I Know 34 What’s In 35 What's New 35 What Is It 36 iii What's More 45 What Can I Do 46 Post Assessment 47 What I Have Learned 47 References 48 iv WHAT I NEED TO KNOW This Module in Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems aims to give you an understanding of the concept of what you believe specifically in religion. It also aims to bridge the interconnectedness of the culture, geography, and religions. Lastly, to give us an idea of how religion affects society specially in culture. The module consists of three (3) fundamental lessons. Lesson one (1) deals about Religion, Spirituality, Philosophy of Religion, ang Theology (2) deals on the Historical and Geographical contexts of Different Religions and (3) is the Effects of Religions. Every part of the module contains activities and enhancement exercises utilizing pictures, and illustrations which have been proven as effective instructional materials in understanding one’s belief. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT Learning Objectives: At the end of the module, the learners shall be able to: 1. Understand the definition of Religion. 2. Bridged the interconnectedness of geography, culture and religions. 3. Ascertained the positive and negative effects of religion. 1 THINGS TO REMEMBER TO GET THROUGH For the learners Now that you are holding this module, do the following: 1. Read and follow instructions carefully in each lesson. 2. Take note and record points for clarification. 3. Do the activities to fully understand each lesson. 4. Answer all the given tests and activities. 5. Write all your answers in your notebook. For the Facilitators 1. Introduce the lesson on Reading Academic Texts. Engage learners to do the activities religiously, and let the learners carry the tasks with ease and confidence. 2. Do the What I Know: Instruct the learners to answer the questions to test how far they know about the topic. 3. Do the activity What’s New: Activate the learners' understanding of the topics by letting them answer varied activities. 4. Allow students to read What is It. Let the learners fully discover and comprehend all topics discussed in this module. 5. Let the learners answer the activities on What’s More. Check if they have understood the topics. Deepen their understanding by completing the guided questions on what I have learned section. 6. Assign the students to do What I can Do activities that shall transfer knowledge /skills gained or learned into real life situation. GOOD LUCK AS YOU BEGIN MODULE 1 2 LESSON 1 Religion, Spirituality, Philosophy of Religion, Theology WHAT I NEED TO KNOW Learning Competency 1: Differentiate the concept, elements, characteristics of belief system, world view, religion, and spirituality. Learning Objectives: At the end of this lesson, the learners are expected to: 1. distinguish each concept, elements, characteristics of belief system, world view, religion, and spirituality; 2. discern the difference of religion and spirituality; and 3. understand the elements of religion. WHAT I KNOW General Instructions Now that you are holding this module, do the following: 1. Read and follow instructions carefully in each lesson. 2. Take note and record points for clarification. 3. Do the activities to fully understand each lesson. 4. Answer all the given tests and exercises. 3 Let’s Answer This! True or False. Write WORLD RELIGION if the statement is TRUE and write BELIEF SYSTEM if the statement is FALSE. Write the answers in your notebook. 1. Social environment and upbringing can affect a person’s religious life. 2. Monotheism is defined as a belief in the existence of one God. 3. Agnosticism believe in the existence of Holy Trinity. 4. The word religion is from the Latin word religare. 5. Karl Marx believed that religions were developed by the few as a means to control the masses and suppress revolution. 6. Spirituality is derived from the Latin word spiritus. 7. Religion has elements. 8. Religion may be defined as an organized system of beliefs. 9. In the concept of Religion, there is no existence of diety. 10. The proponent of Animistic Theories is Robert Henry Codrington. 11. Monism is the belief of having many gods. 12. Personal spirituality is not possible without the intervention of religion. 13. A person who value life is spiritual person. 14. Religions have their own ritual and ceremonies. 15. Spirituality is affecting one’s mind and soul. 4 WHAT'S NEW Let’s Move On 5 UNDERSTANDING BELIEFS AND WORLDVIEWS Every individual sees and interprets the world quite differently from one another. This overall perspective is also termed worldview which is a collection of beliefs about life and the universe being held by people (The Free Dictionary 2014). For a certain individual, social environment and upbringing are critical in the development of a religious life. All these factors have an effect on how people organize their beliefs and ideas while eventually creating a comprehensive narrative through which they look at the world and interrelate with it. Belief in god or gods is found in almost all religions. There is a good reason to presuppose that religion had existed during prehistoric times and this has continued to the modern day. Human life may have produced hundreds of religions and belief systems. There could be more unknown than known religions in the world since recorded history covers only several thousand years of human existence. The table enumerates the different kinds of belief systems or worldviews. Theism, often used as a synonym to monotheism, is defined as “a belief in the existence of one god viewed as the creative source of the human race and the world who transcends yet is immanent in the world” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary 2014). Monotheistic religions claim that there is only one God who could have designed and created the universe or may have directed all events that led to the creation of everything. There is one supreme God who is both personal and moral, and who seeks a total and unqualified response from humans (Hick 1990). Modern- day examples of monotheistic religions include Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. On the other hand, polytheistic religions that are common among early people recognize many principal gods among whom no one is supreme. These include the ancient religions of Egypt, Greece, and Rome wherein people worship a multitude of personal gods. Meanwhile, monism asserts that there is no genuine distinction between God and the universe. Two implications arise from this belief. Firstly, it contends that God is dwelling in the universe as part of it. Secondly, the universe does not exist at all as a reality but only as a manifestation of God. Furthermore, while atheists deny the existence of God, agnostics deny the possibility for man to acquire knowledge of the existence of God. 6 DEFINITION AND NATURE OF RELIGION Religion may be defined as “an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary 2014). The Latin word religio refers to “something done with overanxious or scrupulous attention to detail” (Bowker 1997). This term may have probably been derived from the Latin verb religare which means “to tie together, to bind fast.” In its original sense, the word refers to expression of proper piety, that is, binding to god (Grassie 2010). Quite later, religion was used to designate formal belief systems and tenets. The term was eventually applied to what we now call as religion because of the manner in which people performed rituals during those days. While religion may be universal in all stages of human history, it does not follow that all individuals are religious or even religious to some degree (Parrinder 1971). 7 The figure illustrates the different characteristics that are common to most major religions. ORIGINS OF RELIGION Since the nineteenth century, people began to show great interest in explaining the origins of religion. In fact, numerous theories have been postulated to explain the origin of religion while looking at primitive societies for ideas concerning the development of belief systems (Hendry 1999). Archaeologists believe that they have discovered elements of religious belief practised by Homo sapiens almost 60,000 years ago. Apart from burying the dead, various items such as foods, tools, and other objects were placed inside the site. All these rituals imply reverence to their loved ones and perhaps the thought that the dead will utilize these materials in the afterlife. While they believe in the presence of supernatural entities, they also try to communicate with them (Ember & Ember 1996). Various explanations have surfaced that somehow tend to simplify or even denigrate primitive religions. Others maintain that since early humans are weak and ignorant of the different forces of nature, they had to invent religion to explain the seemingly unexplainable mystery and fury of nature. In the process, they had to create a scheme of deities and spirits. Still others contend that religion was conceived by the few to stifle and repress the ideals of the masses (Hopfe 1983). The nineteenth century witnessed the development of the fields of the social sciences that enabled scholars to apply a more scientific way of explaining phenomena rather than speculate on matters concerning the origin of religion. Through field research, observations, and analysis of historical documents, scholars formulated a number of theories that have endured well into the present time. Table 1.3 summarizes the different theories on the origin of religion and the major proponents of these theories. The table summarizes the different theories on the origin of religion and the major proponents of these theories. 8 9 7 BASIC ELEMENTS OF RELIGION Following are the 7 most basic elements of religion in sociology. Beliefs. It is the sensation of brain we have beliefs in one God, Dooms day, Angels, Sacred books, good and bad Luck, while Hindus believe in more than one God. Religious Organization. Religion is an organization of beliefs, rituals and emotions. No religion without organization can survive. Every religion has its own structure and function and every individual performing his role is that organization. For example, Thousands of people gather at Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha and people perform the Hajj activities which show an organization structure of the religion Islam. The role of Prophets, Imams, Pirs, priests, Tableegh-e-Jamat is within that structure. Kalma, Zakat, Roza, Hajj and Namaz are organized and form a complete structure of religion Islam. Emotions. Emotions of hope, fear, reverence and humility are the products of religious rituals. The individual performs religious rituals and attached with emotions. These emotions have close contact with rituals and an individual avoid sins and bows before Almighty Allah. Emotions are the feelings to show the reality of God. Ritual & Ceremonies. All religions have their own ritual and ceremonies. These are the emotional and ceremonial practices. In Islam, prayers to God, Ablution, fasting, recitation of the Holy Quran are the religious rituals. 10 Sacred Objects. It has its own sacred objects. For Hindus idols, temples, Cow, river of Ganga and Jamna are sacred. For Christians the cross, Church, and Bible are the sacred objects while for Muslims. The holy Quran, Mosque, Baithullah, Crescent are sacred objects. Symbols. Symbols are the signs used for sacred objects or situation. Symbols give meaning t human behavior. For example, when Muslims hear “Azan”, they show a typical behavior and keep quiet. The Baithullah and Mosque are the symbols, of god while prayer is the symbol of humility before God. Sects. There are small groups within a religion called sects. Sects have their own religious followers. In Christianity, there are Catholics, and protestants while is Islam these sects are Shias, Sunnis, Ahle Hadith, Wahabies etc. Among them every one claims to be true but one of them is on the path of righteousness which is the true religion Islam. EXPLORING SPIRITUALITY A comparative analysis of major religions reveals that an important characteristic of their belief system focuses on the longing for value in life (Parrinder 1971). For thousands of years, people have been searching and yearning to understand the mystery of life and the universe. There may come a point in time when an individual realizes that life is not entirely accidental and meaningless (Parrinder 1971). This is where the concept of spirituality comes in with the term “spiritual” being defined as “relating or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things” (Oxford Dictionaries 2014). One author points out that it is quite common for people to say that they are “spiritual, not religious” (Grassie 2010). Spirituality may be manifested in quite a number of ways. For example, a person may believe in the presence of an overwhelming power greater than oneself or perhaps a person can be fully mindful of one’s purpose in life. That person can also have a feeling of oneness or a bond with other living beings. While spirituality is derived from the Latin word spiritus, its verb root is spirare which means “to breathe” literally. There is an impression that people are surrounded by a “divine reality as pervasive, intimate, necessary, and invisible as the air we breathe” which is similar to Hindu prana and Chinese chi. (Grassie 2010). While religions are frequently viewed as set of ideals practiced and followed by organized groups, “spirituality is something an individual can have without being implicated in the ambivalent complexity of human societies and institutions” (Grassie 2010). Although traditional spirituality is frequently associated with religiosity, many people assert that personal spirituality can grow separately from religion. One may find inner peace, satisfaction, and contentment in life that are truly independent of religious dogmas and tenets. In the study of religion, there are basic concepts that need to be understood such as theology, philosophy of religion, and spirituality. While religion refers to any set of attitudes, beliefs, and practices concerning a supernatural power—theology involves the systematic study of the existence and nature of the divine. It deals with the study of the nature and purpose of god that may be undertaken using a particular perspective. Theology is a study, not a formulation of religious beliefs. On the other hand, philosophy of religion deals primarily with issues concerning religion, which includes analysis on the existence of a divine being or on sacred texts. It may involve studying the “concepts and belief systems of the religions as well as the prior phenomena of religious experience and 11 the activities of worship and meditation on which these belief systems rest and out of which they have arisen” (Hick 1990). It seeks to analyze various concepts such as god, spirit, karma, creation, immortality, heaven, hell, and purgatory among others. Philosophy of religion is not a branch of theology but a branch of philosophy. It is said that this particular study need not be undertaken from a religious perspective at all because atheists, agnostics, and the person of faith can and do philosophize about religion (Hick 1990). Meanwhile, spirituality is something an individual can have without being implicated in the ambivalent complexity of human societies and institutions (Grassie 2010). Thus, spirituality can be described as one's integrative view of life and involves a quest for the meaning and ultimate value of life as opposed to an instrumentalist or materialistic attitude to life. Hence, one can be spiritual without being religious. WHAT'S MORE 12 B. Identification: Identify the answer of each statement. ____________1. The feelings to show the reality of God. ____________2. The signs used for sacred objects or situation. ____________3. It is the sensation of brain we have beliefs in one God. ____________4. Small groups within a religion. ____________5. A thing that is valued in a specific religion. WHAT I CAN DO Let’s Do It! Differentiate the difference of Religion and Spirituality. Give 10 differences each. Write your response in your notebook. Religion Spirituality 13 POST ASSESSMENT Let’s Answer This! True or False. Write WORLD RELIGION if the statement is TRUE and write BELIEF SYSTEM if the statement is FALSE. Write the answers in your notebook. 1. Social environment and upbringing can affect a person’s religious life. 2. Monotheism is defined as a belief in the existence of one God. 3. Agnosticism believe in the existence of Holy Trinity. 4. The word religion is from the Latin word religare. 5. Karl Marx believed that religions were developed by the few as a means to control the masses and suppress revolution. 6. Spirituality is derived from the Latin word spiritus. 7. Religion has elements. 8. Religion may be defined as an organized system of beliefs. 9. In the concept of Religion, there is no existence of diety. 10. The proponent of Animistic Theories is Robert Henry Codrington. 11. Monism is the belief of having many gods. 12. Personal spirituality is not possible without the intervention of religion. 13. A person who value life is spiritual person. 14. Religions have their own ritual and ceremonies. 15. Spirituality is affecting one’s mind and soul. 14 WHAT I HAVE LEARNED Let’s Remember This! Complete the paragraph with the necessary words or sentences that best describe what you have learned from the discussion. Write your paragraph in your notebook. Follow the format below. Religion __________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________. Spirituality ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ _________________________. Congratulations! You successfully did it. Now, let’s move to lesson 2. 15 LESSON 2 ORIGIN OF WORLD RELIGIONS WHAT I NEED TO KNOW Learning Competencies 2: Analyze the interconnectedness of geography, culture, and religions. Learning Objectives: At the end of the lesson, the learners are expected to: 1. understand the relativity of geography, culture and religions; 2. assimilate the connectedness of religions; and 3. appraise the value of culture in a particular religion. WHAT I KNOW Let’s Answer This! Match Column A with Column B. Write the letter of the correct answer on the blanks provided. Column A Column B 1. Type of Buddhism that developed in Japan a. Neanderthals 2. The Hindu god of water and celestial oceans b. Muhammad 3. Prehistoric species of humans c. Yahweh 4. Term for the teachings of the Buddha d. Varuna 16 5. Forwarded the idea of ‘three persons, one substance’ e. Dharma 6. A name given by the Hebrews to their god f. Baekje 7. Considered as the “Seal of the Prophets” g. Ishmael 8. A pilgrimage site along the river Ganga h. Zen 9. Believed to be the ancestor of the Arab people i. Varanasi 10. One of the three kingdoms in Korea j. Tertullian 11. A country developed a unique form of Buddhism k. Siddharta Gautama 12. Home of three great religions l. Abraham 13. Gave the first sermon about the principles of Buddhism m. West Asia 14. The modern translation of Yam Suph n. Japan 15. Father in faith o. Sea of Reeds WHAT'S IN Let’s Recall! Religion may refer to any set of attitudes, beliefs, and practices aimed at communicating or propitiating with supernatural beings. Humans may recognize a superhuman being controlling power (such as a god or spirit) that seeks worship and obedience from them. Religion may have originated in response to human’s need to explain their dreams and experiences as well as the need to understand the different forces of nature, especially so that humans may have faced pain and ignorance in their daily struggle for existence in early times. While religions are frequently viewed as sets of ideals practiced and followed by organized groups, spirituality involves one’s integrative view of life that is more personal while affecting the human soul. 17 WHAT'S NEW Let’s Move On! WHAT IS IT Origin of World Religions Similar to living organisms, religions are born in history and they gradually develop into living traditions and affect the lives of their followers. Belief systems originate in certain localities within the context of culture and even geography. From their rudimentary forms, religions continually evolved into complicated systems replete with rites and practices that made recruitment of members necessary. Quite unfortunately, other religions also decline as in the case of Zoroastrianism that once flourished in South Asia but is now only confined to Iran, India, and Central Asia. They may also give impetus to establish new movements within religious groups, such as in the case of Buddhism that may be viewed as a reaction to the overly ritualistic beliefs and the exclusivity of Hinduism. They may also contribute to the foundation of other religions, such as those themes Christianity borrowed from Judaism, and themes 18 Islam borrowed from both Christianity and Judaism (Brasswell 1994). This lesson will deal with the origin of religions along with the geographical context and cultural milieu that have impacted the establishment of world religions and belief systems. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Scholars hold the view that religion is universal and can be found in all known contemporary societies (Ember & Ember 1997). Even the most fundamental of belief systems can be seen to a greater or lesser degree in all religions (Hopfe 1983). Various theories have been formulated to explain the origin of religion. Even prehistoric humans, such as the Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons, have practiced a set of belief systems in one way or another, including burying their dead, painting on the walls of caves, and carving images from stones. The existence of humankind for so long a time has resulted in the formation of religion and belief system. It is certain that many religions may have been unrecorded in the past. Others may have gradually died down. This lesson will deal primarily with religions that are still active until the present time. The succeeding table illustrates some significant dates in the history of the establishment of several world religions. 19 The Patriarch Abraham The prophet and patriarch Abraham played a major role in the establishment of the three monotheistic religions: namely, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which account for more than half of the world’s total population at present. As such, these organized religions are collectively known as Abrahamic religions. The Jewish people regard Abraham as the ancestor of the Israelites, through his descendants Isaac and Jacob. The Muslims consider Abraham’s son Ishmael as the ancestor of the Arabs. The Christians view Abraham as ‘father in faith’ as narrated in the Bible and the ancestor of Jesus Christ. Notable religious personalities trace their origin in Abraham’s sons from different wives through their descendants. The importance of Abraham in these three religions lies in the fact that the patriarch appears as an elemental figure for a monotheistic belief system and a paragon of extreme devotion. Derived from a common source, it is but natural that the three monotheistic religions share some commonalities in their basic tenets. For one, they all worship one supreme being. The ancient Hebrews call their God Elohim, Adonai, or Yahweh. Present-day Judaism uses the names “Lord” and “God.” For the Muslims, they call their God as Allah. In addition, prophets and apostles play major roles in these religions. Judaism has 48 prophets and seven prophetesses. Early prophets include Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, and Joshua to name a few. In Christianity, the 12 apostles were the primary disciples of Jesus Christ, some of whom wrote parts of the New Testament. For the Muslims, they believe that Muhammad is the final prophet or the “Seal of the Prophets.” Prior to their establishment as organized religions, the role of divine revelation or intervention is associated among their progenitors. For instance, God instructed Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac at Mount Moriah. God presented the Ten Commandments to Moses at Mount Sinai. God sacrificed his son Jesus Christ through crucifixion as the plan to salvation. God commanded Muhammad to establish a new religion at a cave in Mount Hira. Then and now, followers of the three Abrahamic religions are presented with a choice between good and evil. 20 The Indian Mosaic With its history dating back to at least 6500 B.C.E., India is one of the world’s oldest surviving civilizations. The many conquerors that came to India were gradually absorbed into the native Indian religions. With great movements of various people in the past came their customs, arts, languages, literature, beliefs, and many more facets of their culture. The Harappan civilization, the Aryan influence, the local dynasties, and the Muslim conquest all had their fair share in building the intricate Indian mosaic. As a result, variety and complexity characterize Indian culture. Religion is an essential part of the Indian tradition. Four great religions originated in India – Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism – and a myriad of minor cults and local sects. Even Muslims and Christians have found their way into the Indian heartland along with the Jews and Zoroastrians. Hinduism perfectly reflects Indian heterogeneity with its eclectic, diversified, and assorted ways of religious expressions that are quite confusing to outsiders. It has no specific founder, no one sacred book, and with innumerable gods and goddesses that any Hindu can venerate. As such, Hinduism can be considered as a ‘museum of religions’ (Israel and Grewal 1989). It was during the Vedic Period that Hinduism or Sanatana Dharma became systematized as a religion that preached order and purpose to the cosmos and human life. During this period, universal order became equated with a stable society as evidenced by the establishment of a centralized government and the integration of collective traditions into Indian lives. On the other hand, whereas many religions focus on the worship of one god, many gods, or a celestial being, Buddhism centers its attention on the figure of the Buddha. He was not a god but a human being who came to discover how to terminate sufferings in order to escape the painful and continuous cycle of rebirth (Coogan 2005). Buddhist followers revere Buddha in the same way that members of 21 other world religions worship their gods. The Mahayana sect of Buddhism differs from the Theravada school because of its rich array of buddhas and bodhisattvas who have attained spiritual enlightenment. These beings are already eligible to enter nirvana but choose to delay this glorious path to guide others to the path of salvation. Born near the end of the 6th century B.C.E., Siddhartha Gautama’s life is closely linked with the historical and religious development of Buddhism in India. Gaining new converts due to its mass appeal as compared to the exclusivity of Hindu beliefs, Buddhism spread far and wide from India to Sri Lanka and to Southeast Asia. The religion was transported to China and gained much headway as it reached Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. Across the Himalayas, it reached the Tibetan lands. Presently, Buddhism has become more popular outside its place of origin while Hinduism has remained entrenched in India throughout many centuries. The Way of the Dao Chinese civilization is one of the world’s oldest, dating back almost 4,000 years ago. Even during the olden days, the Chinese had already endeavoured to establish and attain good governance (Perry 1988). China adopted Kung Fu-Tzu's (Confucius) ideals and ethics as the nation developed meritocracy as a basis for government officials. Confucius is regarded as China’s greatest philosopher and teacher who lived at the same time as Siddhartha Gautama in India (Perry 1988). Confucian ideals aspire to harmonize human relations and serve as guide to social behavior. Providing a backdrop for traditional Chinese values, Chinese dynasties used Confucian morals and political ideals that became influential among the Chinese people. The Confucian principles can be applied at the levels of individual, community, and state. It is no wonder that Confucian values can be seen in the Chinese method of governance, the merit of one’s education, and importance of order in the society (Rozman 1991). An ideal human society is of utmost concern for Confucian followers. Meanwhile, mysteries abound the birth and personal life of Laozi (Lao-tzu) who may have written Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching or The Book of the Way and its Power) around the 6th century B.C.E. Other sources indicate that he lived during the period of the Warring States around the 5th or 4th century B.C.E. Believed to be a contemporary of Confucius, he once worked as government archivist or record keeper at the time of the Zhou Dynasty but soon left the service due to his frustration with corruption. Around 142 C.E., Daoism began as an organized religion with the establishment of the Way of the Celestial Masters sect by Zhang Daoling during the Han Dynasty. This group along with other later Daoist sects devised intricate rituals, venerated heavenly beings, and wrote numerous religious texts. The writings of Daoism centers on the concept of Dao as a way or path signifying appropriateness of one’s behavior to lead other people. Similar with Daoism, the writings of Confucius frequently dwell upon the theme of the Dao understood as being the truth or way things ought to be done concordant with a specific view to life, politics, and customs. This Confucian view is somehow close to the meaning of Dao in Daoism which means a road, path, or way in which one does something. The Confucian Dao principally concerns human affairs while the Daoist Dao means the way the universe works. Both Confucius and Lao-tzu were followers of the Dao. With regard to the art of leadership, try to compare the following passages 22 as lifted from the sacred texts of the Analects of Confucius and the Dao De Jing by Lao-tzu. On the other hand, Shintoism is a loosely organized local belief of Japan, somewhat an ardent religious form of Japanese patriotism (Hopfe 1893). Its mythology highlights the superiority of Japan over other lands. Shrines celebrate great heroes and important events in Japan’s history. Japanese people believed that their emperors literally descended from the sun goddess Amaterasu. Conscious effort is being done to revere the beauty of Japan’s lands, especially mountains. The term ‘Shinto’ was coined around the sixteenth century C.E. to distinguish native belief system from the imported religions of China and Korea, including Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism. The term actually originated from the Chinese words shen and tao roughly translated as the ‘way of the gods’. Of primal importance were the kami that were often defined as gods but could also refer to deities of heaven and earth, or even spirits in human beings, animals, trees, seas, and mountains (Hopfe 1983). 23 GEOGRAPHY OF FAITH Laws and social norms vary by region and localities. The study about geography of religion may reveal some fascinating truths why a certain country is predominated by one particular religion or why a specific region became homeland of great religions. The Western Frontier West Asia is home of three great religions, namely, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Comprising the area bordered on the west by the fertile coasts of the Mediterranean Sea and on the east by the arid deserts of Arabia, the history of these religions is closely linked with this region. Countries closest to the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea north of the Arabian Sea and south of Turkey, sometimes called the Levant, have experienced numerous religious cataclysms in their existence as nation-states. These include Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Syria, and Palestine. Gaining independence in 1944, Lebanon has undergone a protracted civil war from 1975 to 1990 between Christians and Muslims. During that time, while the Christians controlled wealth and power, majority of Muslims felt discriminated. Around 250,000 lives were lost as a result of the conflict. After 1917, many Jews migrated from Europe to their ancient homeland, Palestine. In 1948, Israel was established after driving away the Palestinian Arabs who had been living in the area for centuries. The long drawn-out war between Israel and Arab countries has resulted in the deaths of many Jews and Muslims from both sides. Israel remains the only country in the world with a Jewish- majority population comprising almost 75% of its citizens. Within Israel are Muslims that constitute 16% of the population. There is a continuing unrest among the Palestinian population as a result of Israeli policies that run counter to their nationalist ideals. Needless to say, religions have increasingly become involved in the domestic politics of nation-states and between nations as well (Brasswell 1994). The Arabian 24 Peninsula, the world’s largest peninsula, consists of countries that are predominantly Islamic in character. These countries include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and Oman. Most West Asian countries follow the Shi’a and Sunni denominations of Islam. Majority of Muslims in Iraq and Iran associate themselves with the Shi’a sect. Meanwhile, majority of Muslims in Saudi Arabia belong to the Sunni branch. What geographical features of this arid land could have influenced the growth, evolution, and expansion of these religions from the time of the great patriarch Abraham until the rise of the prophet Muhammad? Located directly south of Eastern Europe, West Asia contains some of the world’s most desolate environments. The Arabian Peninsula situated on the northeastern part of Africa is almost completely a baking hot desert where no plants can thrive. The topography of West Asia is characterized by vast areas of mountainous terrains. Mountains play significant roles in many religious beliefs as these landforms provide ideal settings where gods live or where gods and mortals meet. In the Judeo-Christian region of West Asia and Egypt, there are four sacred mountains listed in the table below. The Temple Mount is one of the most sacred sites in the world revered by the Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Three structures are found in the present site that include the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock, and the Dome of the Chain. The Jewish people consider the Temple Mount as their holiest shrine. Mount Moriah is also believed to be the site of sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham. Meanwhile, vast expanse of deserts and bodies of water in West Asia also figure significantly in biblical history. From the Book of Exodus, it narrates Yam Suph being crossed by the Israelites as they escaped from Egyptian lands. Yam Suph is believed to be the present-day Red Sea which is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Africa and Asia. The modern-day translation of Yam Suph is “Sea of Reeds.” For many years, the Israelites lived in the wilderness at the Sinai Desert en route to the Promised Land. It is believed that the spiritual cleansing of one’s self transpires in the desert. Another body of water mentioned in the Bible is the Dead Sea along with the dwelling caves near it at the time of David. The Dead Sea is a landlocked salt lake between Israel and Jordan. Presently, followers of the three Abrahamic religions place high regard on the city of Jerusalem in Israel because of the numerous sites that are central to their belief system. In Jerusalem, there are more than a thousand synagogues, more than a hundred churches, and more than 70 mosques. Jerusalem has been sacred for the Jews almost three thousand years now with the city being the site of the First Temple (King Solomon’s Temple) and the Second Temple. The Western Wall (Wailing Wall or Kotel), one of the four remaining walls that surrounded the Temple Mount, is the second holiest shrine for the Jews. Meanwhile, the city has been revered by the 25 Christians for almost two thousand years now. Important Christian sites include Mount Zion and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre which is the site of the Golgotha (or the place of crucifixion) and the empty tomb of Jesus Christ. Lastly, the city has been held sacred by the Muslims for almost 1400 years now. For the Sunni Muslims, it is their third holiest city. Located at the Temple Mount, the Islamic Dome of the Rock is the most recognizable structure in Jerusalem. It is believed that the rock is the spot from which Muhammad ascended to heaven. Likewise, the First and Second Temples is believed to lie beneath or near the shrine. Another Islamic structure at the Temple Mount is the Al-Aqsa Mosque associated with the “night journey” undertaken by Muhammad. The Indian Subcontinent The subcontinent of South Asia covers an area of more than one and a half million square miles stretching from the Hindu Kush and Baluchi Hills on the west and the Great Himalayan mountain range on the north, to the Burmese mountain on the east and the Indian Ocean on the south (Wolpert 1993). More than 4000 years ago, a civilization emerged along the Indus River that developed a unique and exceptional culture long before the dawn of the Christian era. Invasions from people originating in Macedonia and Central Asia have added diversity to India’s population and complexity to its culture (Wolpert 1993). Because sweltering heat is one major feature of India’s ecological setting, it is no wonder that Hindus revere the sun (Surya) and fire (Agni). Likewise, water also plays a major role in the Indian psyche as evidenced by Hindus venerating a god of water and celestial oceans (Varuna). The South Asian countries of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh depend mightily on the rivers Indus, Ganga- Yamuna, and Brahmaputra. Traversing the great plains of north India, the Ganga (Ganges) is the holiest river for the Hindus. From its point of origin to its confluence with the ocean, many ancient pilgrimage sites and cities line up along the Ganga that include Rishikesh, Haridwar, Prayag, and Varanasi. Even Buddhists consider Varanasi an important religious site. During the olden days, there was once a deer park in Samath which is now a residential area in Varanasi. Here, Siddhartha Gautama gave his first sermon about the principles of Buddhism. It is presently marked by the Dhamek Stupa shrine. The Buddha also met his first disciples at this place which is now commemorated by the Chaukhandi Stupa monument (Douglas 2007). It is worth noting, however, that Buddhism is not widely held in India but rather in the neighboring countries located in South Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. The Eastern End At the eastern end of the great Asian continent one finds the cultural and political dominance of China. Stretching more than 5,000 kilometers across the Asian landmass, it is bordered by various bodies of water in the east and land borders in all other directions. China’s population is concentrated primarily in the eastern and southern parts where agricultural activities flourish. Deserts (such as the Gobi and Taklamakan) and plateaus dominate the northern and western territory of China that served as natural barriers from foreign invaders coming from that front. As such, the great Chinese civilization developed entirely on its own without interference from outside forces. Chinese culture practically influenced all other countries at its outskirts, including Japan and Korea. The supremacy of China on the eastern front 26 can be explained by the role of its environment and geography that includes vast alluvial plains, extensive fertile valleys, and a pleasant climate. The location of China proper in the valleys of two great bodies of water, the Huang He and Yangtze, is quite favorable because of the support these streams provide to the Chinese people that made historic China the center of culture. Geographically speaking, the farming people of the river valley were isolated from the rest of Asia because of deserts and mountains. From these river valleys emerged small states now controlled by the first recorded dynasties in China, the Shang and the Zhou. Soon after, states began to centralize, established a taxation system, organized military organizations, and imposed codes of law (Perry 1989). Public officials and bureaucrats who were also scholars, philosophers, and teachers gained prominence because of their interest in politics and government. It is within this context that the great teacher Confucius became fascinated with ethical questions and morality in government affairs. Confucius, the main person behind this emerging social philosophy, did not intend to start a new religion but rather expound on the nature of order and stability in the society. For Confucius, this was not the result of stringent laws but of the rituals and ceremonies undertaken by people who have become civilized through time. Only a refined society can achieve lasting social order. With the growth of Confucianism and the development of urban Chinese culture, the ecstatic and religious nature of shamanism began to decline in China. It was only during the second millennium after the death of Confucius in 479 B.C.E. that the teachings and ideals identified with his philosophy spread in China (Rozman 1991). By the time of the Han Dynasty, Confucian teachings had become the state religion (Palmer 1996). In Korea, it began to be disseminated extensively around the 15th century. In Japan, it was accepted by the majority during the 18th and 19th centuries. Meanwhile, Daoism emerged in response to the widespread warfare and social turmoil that besieged the Zhou Dynasty. It served as the guiding principle to abandon and withdraw from the disorder brought about by incessant struggle for power, wealth, and prestige. The common people began to oppose the rising authoritarian rule and the rigidity of the moralists who were Confucian supporters. Daoist followers aspired for autonomy in the midst of social adversities and for conformity to social patterns with the aim of attaining social harmony. Korea experienced a great deal of exposure to Chinese culture with the Han and Tang Dynasties maintaining close ties with the Koreans. As the three kingdoms of Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje were being influenced by China, Korea also adopted Buddhism and Confucianism from the mainland. A small country compared to China, Korea had to adopt the Confucian model of harmonious family relations. Eventually, Korea was able to guarantee its sovereignty from China and develop its own culture that is uniquely Korean in style. Relatively distant from China when compared to Korea, Japan also had a fair share of China’s influence that became entrenched in Japanese culture. Japanese envoys to China picked the useful aspects of Chinese culture, imported and adapted these elements to their own genius and need (Latourette 1964). The Japanese feudal system embraced the ideals of Confucianism. Ancestor worship complemented elements of Confucianism and Daoism that underscored the concept of filial piety. Between the 4th and 8th centuries, Japan experienced major cultural change. The entry of Buddhism in Japan had a direct effect in the religious traditions of Japan and 27 its reaction was fourfold. Firstly, the name ‘Shinto’ was introduced to differentiate the native belief from the new foreign religions. Secondly, local Shinto followers acknowledged that the numerous buddhas and bodhisattvas were revelations of the kami. Buddhists reversed this notion and considered kami as Japanese revelations of these celestial beings. Thirdly, there came a fusion or syncretism between Shintoism and Buddhism and for 10 centuries they lived side by side in Japan while serving the spiritual needs of the people. Lastly, Japan developed a unique form of Buddhism taking its fullest meditative form under Zen. (Hopfe 1983). THE CULTURAL MILIEU World religions can be regarded along the lines of their exclusivity or non- exclusivity. Exclusive religions are oftentimes monotheistic with Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as examples. Meanwhile, non-exclusive religions are often polytheistic in nature. Examples of non-exclusive religions are Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shintoism. On Monotheism and Universality Monotheism or the belief in one God is an ancient idea that predated the establishment of Abrahamic religions. From the three Abrahamic religions, however, Christianity has somewhat differed based on its concept of the trinitarian creed in contrast to the unitarian creed. While Judaism and Islam affirm the presence of one god, Christianity acknowledges one God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God having three persons could also mean three persons and one substance as forwarded by the Church Father Tertullian (c. 155 – 240 C.E.). The basic principles of the Muslim faith are reflected in the “Five Pillars of Islam.” The first pillar as the profession of the Muslim faith succinctly states that “there is no God but Allah.” Simply put, there are no gods, but only Allah. Allah is eternal, creator, omnipotent, infinitely good, merciful, but harsh on those who oppose his will (Jomier 1999). Muslims are urged to worship Allah alone and avoid veneration of transitory things of the world (Frager 2002). Both Christianity and Islam are considered universalizing religions because they attempt to operate on a global scale and are not inextricably linked to any nation, ethnicity, or place as opposed to ethnic religions that attract one group of people residing in one locality. Universalizing religions have a variety of means to transmit their principles and their followers believe that what they think is appropriate for humankind. Because these religions originated from a certain founder, they are relatively younger than ethnic religions, such as Hinduism, Confucianism, or Daoism. These types of religions actively seek out new recruits, hence, conversion here is quite easy. They have many members who belong to diverse groups of people because everyone is a welcome addition to these religions. On the other hand, Judaism can be considered an ethnic religion because it draws members from a specific group of people from a definite locality with most of its practices and rituals performed continuously throughout generations. Rituals and holidays belonging to the ethnic religions are based on the cycle of harvest that are quite different in the celebrations for universalizing religions that are often anchored upon the life stories of their 28 originators. It may be hard to convert to an ethnic religion because members come principally from the same ethnicity. On the Concept of Dharma Majority of Indians are Hindus. Buddhism, which originated in India, has been absorbed into the Hindu worldview (Kolanad 1994). Hindu religions foster tolerance as they coexisted peacefully for many generations in most parts of India. The concept of dharma is integral in religions that emerged in India, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. In Hinduism, dharma could mean duty, righteousness, and ethics. In all humanity, this is common and evident in virtues such as peacefulness, empathy, and kindness. Dharma is also found in one’s caste in the present life and toward another life that could lead to liberation from the cycle of rebirth (Coogan 2005). For Buddhism, it means cosmic law and order, or the teachings of the Buddha and the truth of the way things are. For the Theravada sect, dharma is sometimes used to indicate all the factors of existence. As the Buddha himself explained, “This Dharma that I have attained is profound, hard to see and hard to understand, peaceful and sublime, unattainable by mere reasoning, subtle, to be experienced by the wise.” Dharmic religions do not compel their adherents to profess their devotion to be a believer or a practitioner. For the followers of dharmic religions, meditational and yoga rituals lead to right behavior and ultimate understanding of the universe. The final spiritual truth is beyond all delusions of the physical world where pain and sufferings exist because of extreme attachment to people and material things. While the Hindus and Buddhists share similarities on some of their basic tenets, such as ideas concerning enlightenment and liberation, there are palpable differences between the two dharmic religions. For one, while the Hindus believe in the trimurti or the three forms of god, Buddhists do not believe in the existence of any god. As such, intermediaries for humans and gods are not necessary along with the many rituals that go with venerating them. On Nature and Ancestors The elements of cult of heaven and ancestor worship are features of ancient Chinese culture integrated into the Confucian philosophy and belief. Apart from Confucianism, lesser deities are also apparent in Daoism with the presence of atmospheric gods, gods of locality, and functional gods. Chinese belief systems soon arrived in Japan and influenced the local culture and the indigenous polytheistic religion Shintoism. In Shintoism, divinities are closely linked to nature and natural forces. The sacred Mount Fuji, an abode of Japanese gods, is surrounded by temples and shrines. It is one of the three holy mountains along with Mount Tate and Mount Haku. Shrines are erected to venerate or remember ancestors, an occurrence, and natural phenomena, such as mountains, rivers, rocks, and trees. Shinto followers carry out ritualistic practices conscientiously in order to establish union with the present society and the nation’s past. Shintoism serves as a guide and way that somehow run contrary to established world religions. Majority of its followers also practice Buddhism. Meanwhile, Confucius had a firm conviction in a natural order that was also a moral order. The Confucian stance on the world is basically encapsulated about an individual’s understanding of heaven and the people’s relationships with heaven. Everyone had significant roles to play in society that could very well affect heaven and 29 earth despite their seeming immensity as compared to humankind. Apart from having a harmonious relationship between humans and heaven, the establishment of an ideal human society is also key to Confucian followers. Central to this objective concerns family relations as emphasized in the concept of filial piety being the major pillar of Confucian ethics. Confucius outlined the five basic social relationships: (1) ruler and subjects, (2) father and son, (3) husband and wife, (4) older and younger brothers, and (5) friends or members of a community (Perry 1989). All human relationships had a set of definite responsibilities and obligations with participants conforming to and accepting their roles. With all this mechanism in mind, a perfect society is attainable. Quite similarly, Daoism promotes harmonious relationship between humankind and nature. Appropriateness of one’s behavior is also integral in the Daoist teachings. WHAT'S MORE Lets’ Practice! Crossword Puzzle. Copy the puzzle in your notebook. All letters must be capitalized. 8 4 7 6 1 2 9 5 3 10 ACROSS 1. final prophet of Muslims 3. reflects Indian heterogeneity 5. China’s greatest philosopher and teacher 6. only country in the world with a Jewish-majority population compromising almost 75% of its citizens 30 7. developed a unique form of Buddhism DOWN 2. patriarch who played major role in the establishment of the three monotheistic religions 4. local belief of Japan 8. could mean duty, righteousness, and ethics. 9. can be considered an ethnic religion 10. erected to venerate or remember ancestors WHAT I CAN DO Let’s Do It! A. Supply the table in the box. Write the answers in your notebook. Country Continent Religion or Belief Culture 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 31 B. List the religions that has the same culture and the same continent. POST ASSESSMENT Let’s Answer this! Match Column A with Column B. Write the letter of the correct answer on the blanks provided. Column A Column B 1. Type of Buddhism that developed in Japan a. Neanderthals 2. The Hindu god of water and celestial oceans b. Muhammad 3. Prehistoric species of humans c. Yahweh 4. Term for the teachings of the Buddha d. Varuna 5. Forwarded the idea of ‘three persons, one substance’ e. Dharma 6. A name given by the Hebrews to their god f. Baekje 7. Considered as the “Seal of the Prophets” g. Ishmael 8. A pilgrimage site along the river Ganga h. Zen 32 9. Believed to be the ancestor of the Arab people i. Varanasi 10. One of the three kingdoms in Korea j. Tertullian 11. A country developed a unique form of Buddhism k. Siddharta Gautama 12. Home of three great religions l. Abraham 13. Gave the first sermon about the principles of Buddhism m. West Asia 14. The modern translation of Yam Suph n. Japan 15. Father in faith o. sea of Reeds WHAT I HAVE LEARNED Let’s Remember This! Complete the paragraph with the necessary words or sentences that best describe what you have learned from the discussion. Write your paragraph in your notebook. Follow the format below. Geography and culture affects religion because ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________. Congratulations! You successfully did it. Now, let’s move to lesson 2. 33 LESSON 3 Effects of Religion WHAT I NEED TO KNOW Learning Competency 3. Analyze the influences of religion to culture and society. Learning Objectives: At the end of the lesson, learners are expected to: 1. differentiate the positive and negative effects of religion; 2. identify the effects of religion; and 3. discuss the importance of religion. WHAT I KNOW Identify the effects of religion in each statement below. Write P if the statement is POSITIVE and N if the statement is NEGATIVE. Write your answers in your notebook. 1. Religion gives harmony. 2. Religion provides values. 3. Religion causes discrimination. 4. Religion affirms social hierarchy. 5. Religion gives people a sense of belonging. 6. Religion obstructs the use of reason. 7. Religion impedes scientific success and development. 8. Religion gives positive goals in life. 9. Religion reduces fear of the unknown. 10. Religion provides social change. 11. Religion triggers conflicts and fights. 34 12. Religion as an economic tool for exploiting the masses. 13. Religion help people to forgive. 14. Religion helps cleansing the mind. 15. Religion makes people divided. WHAT'S IN Let’s Recall! How geography, culture, and religion are connected? In 10-15 minutes read the song Imagine and discuss the possible consequences if a society has no religion. Imagine You may say I'm a dreamer By: John Lennon But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us Imagine there's no heaven And the world will be as one It's easy if you try No hell below us Imagine no possessions Above us only sky I wonder if you can Imagine all the people No need for greed or hunger Living for today... Aha-ah... A brotherhood of man Imagine all the people Imagine there's no countries Sharing all the world... You... It isn't hard to do Nothing to kill or die for You may say I'm a dreamer And no religion, too But I'm not the only one Imagine all the people I hope someday you'll join us Living life in peace... You... And the world will live as one 35 WHAT IS IT 2 Positive and Negative Effects of Religion The lines in the picture, taken from John Lennon’s song entitled “Imagine,” encourage the listener to think of a world where nationalities and religions do not exist, for history has shown us that so many wars have been fought in the name of nationality and religion. The song suggests that instead of being caught up in the barriers and divisiveness brought by nationality or religion, we should consider the possibility of living in a world at peace. Religion has become a very important aspect in the development of civilizations and cultures. In fact, most ancient societies based their worldviews on religion, and it has been proven to be beneficial to the attainment and maintenance of social stability and cohesiveness. However, as time went by, religion has also become the basis of conflicts between societies, even within societies. While religion has promoted solidarity among societies, it has also been the reason behind the outbreak of particular wars in history. In this lesson, we will discuss the positive and negative effects of religion, as well as examples of historical events caused primarily by religion. Dating back to the emergence of ancient societies, religion has already played an important role in the lives of our ancestors. In Mesopotamia, for example, the Sumerians organized their settlement into temple communities, wherein the temple was found at the center of their communities and the veneration of their gods and goddesses govern their daily lives. They believed that the lands which they tilled were owned by the deities that is why they offered part of their harvest to their priest, who was also their leader and who was seen as people’s intermediary to higher beings. In the absence of an organized religion, their concept of morality was based on the belief that right actions earn the approval of the gods and goddesses and wrong actions may cause punishment. Hence, the importance of ritual practices to appease the supernatural beings whom they considered as having control over their lives. POSITIVE EFFECTS OF RELIGION There is no doubt that religion has an important role in society. In fact, it has become so closely intertwined with other institutions such as political and economic systems that religious beliefs sometimes became the basis of political legitimacy. This is the very reason why the principle of separation of state and religion was established in many countries. However, religion has served purposes beneficial to society in general. In one way or another, it inspires values that cultivate peace, compassion and kindness. Religion upholds traditions of shaping human's spirituality and embracing the goodness in each individual. Religion Promotes Social Harmony Religion believes in supernatural beings and powers. It practices a set of rituals and ceremonious rites of passage and rites of intensification. It also regards religious leaders such as priests, priestesses and shamans in high esteem. These characteristics help advance social harmony by assimilating and stabilizing cultures and nations. Religion provides divine authority to ethical and moral principles which also help promote unity among people. Common participation in rituals together with basic uniformity of beliefs help promote social 3 cohesiveness. Belief in supernatural beings and the supposed divine powers they can wield to reward and punish people have been a major concept in religion since ancient times. It helps lessen the feeling of helplessness among people who believe that they are not alone in this world, that they need not rely on their capabilities alone, and that everybody else is on the same boat, so to speak. Whenever people are afflicted with crisis, they tend to think that a greater force or high being is there to help them, a belief people tend to share with others. Equally important is the belief in religious leaders whose function was to mediate between the deities and the people. In ancient Philippine society for example, spiritual leaders were called babaylanes or catalones, whose functions were to intercede between the deities and people; to continue the rituals; to play as healers; and to act as cultural leaders of the community. Most of the spiritual leaders were women; and if men wanted to become one, they had to give up their sexuality to perform the prestigious role of being a babaylan. People from ancient societies (to date) have a common belief in the need for intermediaries to communicate with the deities and the supernaturals. Thus, this reinforced the call for spiritual leaders in every society, and the authority and respect people bestowed upon them. These intercessors can be considered as one source of social solidarity. They provide crucial guidance to people in their religious efforts, thereby maintaining group unity. Another important characteristic of religion is the performance of common rituals and practices on a regular basis. Such religious activities can be considered as one component which helps bind people together and reinforce their identification with a particular group. Ritual participation often creates an atmosphere stimulated with emotions. The elated feelings people may experience in such situations serve as a positive reinforcement because they feel good as a result. Take the case of the Sufi Dervishes’ practice of whirling or spinning, wherein the aim is to reach the source of all perfection by abandoning one’s ego or personal desires through listening to music, focusing on God, and spinning one’s body in repetitive circles. This kind of ritual provides people of a particular religion with a positive feeling by doing something together for a common purpose—that is, the glorification of god. Furthermore, even attendance in Masses provides people with a common ground, despite differences in social statuses and political ideologies. Xiao, or filial piety, on the other hand, is a significant aspect of Confucianism which promotes social harmony. Filial piety refers to the attitude of obedience, devotion, and care of one’s parents and elder family members. It serves as the basis of moral conduct which, in effect, leads to social harmony. Since political and social harmony were the primary concerns of Confucianism, filial piety helps achieve this goal by maintaining order in society. Children are expected not only to obey but defer to parents’ judgments, as well as to perform the proper rituals for them. In this way, social harmony is achieved since conflicts are avoided. Jainism also has a key concept which helps promotes social solidarity, which is called ahimsa, or the concept of non-violence. For the followers of Jainism, ahimsa is not only a worldview but a way of life. The killing and consumption of animals is strictly prohibited, for it is central to the idea of ahimsa that they must minimize their violent impact on the environment. Treating other people with respect is also a way of practicing ahimsa. Followers of Jainism have a particular stand on issues, such as international conflict, 4 economic equality, abortion, and even civil rights. They make sure that they live their lives without doing any form of violence to other life forms, especially to humans. Religion Provides Moral Values Perhaps one of the most significant functions of religion is that it encourages moral values. It provides a systematic model of the universe, which in effect determines organized human behavior. By providing moral values, one is able to distinguish right from wrong, good from evil. It also provides a system of reward and punishment that administers and standardizes people’s behavior in society. Some people believe that it is sometimes more effective than the laws implemented by the state, since most people give more importance to the reward and punishment in the afterlife. In ancient societies, notions of right and wrong were not yet as clear-cut as the morality imposed by organized religions. People then acted according to what they thought would please or displease the gods and goddesses. During those times, rituals were very important because it is through these that they invoke the pleasure or wrath of the deities. For example, before planting, farmers would perform a kind of ritual, led by their spiritual leaders, to ask for blessings from the deities so that their harvest would be bountiful. When calamity destroyed their crops, they would interpret it as a sign that they must have done something which displeased the deities, and would again perform a ritual to appease them. When they had a productive harvest, they would again perform a ritual to extend their gratitude to the deities whom they believed to be responsible for their good fortune. Religion Provides Social Change Since religion is a source of moral values, religion provides social change. It can be very effective in lobbying and campaigning for certain social issues using its own moral teachings as the basis of argument. For example, the Church in the US has been active in the campaign for civil liberties as well as the antislavery movement. In the Philippines, much credit has been given to the Catholic Church for the success of the People Power Revolution in 1986 when Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin urged the people to join the protest rally to oust the dictator, former president Ferdinand Marcos. Another example would be Gandhi’s satyagraha, or passive resistance, which paved the way for India’s independence from the British in the 20th century. Satyagraha advocates the belief that nonviolence of the mind can lead to the realization of the real nature of an evil situation and that by refusing to cooperate with evil, truth can be asserted. This concept employed by Gandhi in the early 20th century became instrumental in the Indian struggle against the British and became a model for other protest actions in other countries. In general, religion has the potential to institute social change, especially in the issues concerning poverty, reproductive health, gender equality, and religious discrimination. Religion Reduces Fear of the Unknown Religion was developed from man’s need to have a sense of origin and destination; to discover where they came from and where they are bound to go to when they die. Religion provides answers for phenomena and questions that science or reason cannot explain. Myths about the origin of people abound with stories of groups of people being created by gods and goddesses, perpetuating the notion that people came from supreme beings and will eventually go back to them in the afterlife. More importantly, religion has provided assurances as to where spirits will go when people die, reducing people’s fear of death as something undesirable. The belief in the afterlife has become very important in most religions 5 because it has become the basis for their daily conduct or how they live their lives. For the Hindus, for example, how they follow their dharma (moral and social obligation) determines what will happen to them in the afterlife: as long as they follow their dharma, they will reap good karma (karma refers to moral consequences of one’s act) which will eventually liberate their souls from bad karma, leading them to attain moksha, or the reunion of Brahman or universal soul and atman or individual soul (this will be further discussed in the lesson on Hinduism). Hence, following the duties and obligations of the caste where a Hindu belongs became the basis for what will supposedly happen to their soul in the afterlife. Among the Christians, obeying the Ten Commandments and being good to others will earn a reward of eternal life in heaven; doing the opposite will lead to eternal damnation in hell. Among the Muslims, there are certain circumstances which will guarantee them a place in heaven, like dying in jihad (a struggle against unbelievers) or performing the hajj (Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca). On the other hand, early Filipino animists believed that the afterlife is but a continuation of life on earth; in some parts of the Philippines, there were pieces of evidence that when a datu or chieftain dies, he was buried in a ship called balanghay, together with his slaves and most precious belongings which he would still need in the afterlife. In general, religion has provided people with answers to the unknown such as the origin of life and the concept of afterlife. Explanations provided by religions have reduced fears and anxieties among individuals and some religions have even made death a better alternative to living in uncertainty. Religion Gives Positive Goals in Life People were inspired by the stories of different prophets from their own religious affiliations, like that of Moses, Siddharta Gautama, and Muhammad. These people showed how ordinary people like them were given important missions in life, and how they struggled to carry out their respective missions. Moses was ordered to liberate the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt and lead them back to the promised land; Mohammed was chosen to challenge the supremacy of the ruling class in the desert by preaching equality and founding the Islamic religion; while Siddharta Gautama gave up his wealth and power to find the solution for sickness, poverty, old age, and death. Their narratives—perpetuated through religion—may give people a sense of meaning in life; that they are not placed in this world without a purpose; that each and everyone has a mission to fulfill and it is up to them to fathom what their missions in life are. Religion Gives People a Sense of Belonging Just as family, ethnicity, or nationality give people a sense of belonging, so does religion. For some, religion provides people with personal identity as part of a group with similar worldviews, beliefs, values, practices, and lifestyles. It provides communities with prospects to recognize and offer vital action and service to provide the needs of the larger community. Belonging to a particular religion—whose members share the same beliefs, practice the same rituals, and worship the same god—gives individuals a sense of being in the right place with the right people. It also provides them with a sense of security because other people who belong to the same religious group will tend to support and help each other in times of crisis. A religious group or community can provide counsel, help the sick and underprivileged, and give other services on a more personal level than the government. Members of a religious community can have the assurance that they can 6 rely on other people’s help in times of need. They can also expect to have other people rejoice with them in times of success. Religion can provide a sense of personal identity and belonging. A good example of religion giving people a sense of belonging is the Sikh principle of Seva, also known as Sewa, from the word Karseva which means “selfless service.” Sikhs are expected to perform work or service without expecting anything in return. They are encouraged by their Guru (Guru Granth Saib) to perform selfless service with the belief that by so doing, they are not only promoting good community relations but also paving the way for the moral uplifting of a person, thus strengthening his or her sense of belonging to the community. They are taught to reach out to serve and uplift all of humanity to show their devotion to their god. NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF RELIGION Religion has often been named as the culprit behind divisiveness and conflicts among people. There is also a belief that religion can be dangerous to society when used to advance the interests of a group of people at the expense of other people eapecially those with different religious beliefs. Religious fundamentalism or the demand for a strict adherence to orthodox theological doctrines is often considered as the reason behind most religious conflicts. Some of the negative effects of religion which we will discuss in this lesson are: affirmation of social hierarchy; reason why people fight each other; promotion of discrimination; obstruction of scientific success and development; and hindrance to the use of reason. Religion Affirms Social Hierarchy Some religions affirm social hierarchy often favoring men and as a result, perpetuate the notions of class or gender discrimination and oppression. Another example of religion reflecting the hierarchy of political structures would be the Confucian emphasis on the relations between the ruler and the subject, with the former exercising authority over the latter. The traditional caste system in India would also reflect how religion reflects political and social structures since it propagated the idea that people had to be subdivided into certain social classes with particular social roles and that the attainment of moksha (union of universal soul and individual soul) would depend on how they performed their duties based on their designated class. Religion Causes Discrimination There are some who say that religion, after turning people against themselves, turn people against each other. This happens when people do not tolerate religious ideologies different from the one they follow. Religious fanaticism can lead to feelings of hatred, which could lead to racism, and eventually violence. Throughout history, religion has been used by colonizers to justify their forcible occupation of territories. In a way, religion has made this world a more complicated place to live in. Religion can also be a source of discrimination, or the prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the basis of race, religion, age, or sex. In Islam, the practice of wearing the hijab (a head covering worn in public by Muslim women) is considered by many critics as a form of suppression against Muslim women. Women have to cover their body, from head to toe, so as not to attract the attention of men— perpetuating the notion that women are temptations that men should avoid. There are also religions which discriminate against other religions on the basis of claiming to be 7 the “right religion” and that only their followers will be saved in the afterlife. Still, there are religions which discriminate against people from the lower class who they consider to be sinful and dirty, just like the outcast or pariahs in India. Religion Triggers Conflicts and Fights Religion also has some aspects which make it susceptible to be a source of conflict and war. History witnessed numerous lives sacrificed and lost in the name of religion. Wars have been fought in the name of religion, and this phenomenon continues up to the present time. In Palestine, the Jews are in conflict with the Muslims; in Kashmir, it is the Muslims against Hindus; in Sudan, it is the Muslims opposite Christians and animists; in Sri Lanka, it is the Sinhalese Buddhists against the Tamil Hindus; in Indonesia, it is Muslims contra Timorese Christians. These are only some of so many wars being fought in the name of religion, which means that so many resources are being wasted and millions of lives are being lost. Religion As An Economic Tool for Exploiting the Masses According to the German philosopher Karl Marx, “religion is the opium of the masses.” This is in relation to his critical approach to religion in which he proposed that the bourgeoisie keeps the proletariat in control through religion. According to Marx, it maintains social inequality by propagating a worldview that justifies oppression. He believed that religion can be effectively used by the ruling class to maintain a social order that is more favorable to them. Whether one is Christian, Jewish, or Muslim, religious teachings justifying one’s acceptance of oppression as a normal part of life on earth and as a means to get an everlasting reward in the afterlife can be seen as a bourgeois tactic to maintain the status quo where they reap more resources and power in society. Thus, in Marx’s conflict theory, the abolition of religion is also needed to liberate the masses from their oppressive state. Religion Impedes Scientific Success and Development Throughout history, religion has proven to impede scientific development. For example, it has often been said that the Catholic Church used to teach that the world is flat and warned people against going to faraway places if they do not wish to fall off the edge of the earth. Another example would be the claim that the earth is the center of the solar system, also known as the Ptolemaic theory. Aristarchus, and later on, Nicolas Copernicus, proved that the sun is the center of the solar system and all other planets move around it, hence advancing the heliocentric model. Aside from these, some of the moral teachings of other religions are deemed by secular communities to be detrimental to development. For example, some religions express their disapproval against reproductive health programs that aim to empower couples in responsible family planning through education and access to legal and medically safe birth control, claiming that such programs defies their religious doctrine and are, therefore, immoral. Religion-based mortuary practices can also be detrimental to public health and sanitation. For example, during the cholera outbreak in the Philippines in the nineteenth century, the Catholic practice of having the dead body of cholera victims be brought first to the church for a Mass was seen as one reason why the cholera epidemic continued to spread rapidly. Liberalminded individuals during that time 8 believed it would be much safer and hygienic to immediately bury the dead instead of letting a lot of people be exposed to the dead body by observing religious practices. The same dilemma can also be seen in the outbreak of the Ebola virus in Africa. The Muslim practice of washing the dead’s body by relatives of the same gender is seen as contributory to the rapid spread of the Ebola virus which can be transmitted through direct contact with the victim. Religion Obstructs the Use of Reason Many question the suitability of religious doctrines to the needs of the present and future generations. In order to put these dogma to practice, religion should, therefore, evolve and learn to adapt to the ever changing world. Ancient religious beliefs and practices which have proven to be inhuman should be replaced with sensible ones. Take the case of the trepanning, or the ancient practice of boring holes in the human skull, a surgical procedure performed on epileptics and the mentally ill, with the belief that through the hole the evil spirit will leave the person. During those days they regard it as an attempt at exorcism, but at present the procedure is just unthinkable. HISTORICAL EVENTS CAUSED BY RELIGION In some regions in the world, religion has become very influential in almost every aspect of human activity—from personal routines to diplomatic relations. Furthermore, in each country there are majority and minority religious groups and sometimes the power struggle between these two groups escalate into historical developments which oftentimes shock the world. Here are some of the historical events that are caused by religion. Self-Immolation of a Buddhist Monk in Vietnam Self-immolation, or the killing of oneself as a form of sacrifice, originally referred to as the act of setting oneself on fire. But now it refers to a much wider range of suicidal choices such as leaping off a cliff, starvation, or ritual removing of the guts (also known as seppuku). It is used as a form of political protest or martyrdom. The case of self-immolation reported by the Western media was that of a Buddhist monk named Thich Quang Duc in Vietnam in 1963, who set himself on fire in the middle of a street in South Vietnam. This was done in protest against the religious discrimination being experienced by the Buddhists in Vietnam by the Roman Catholic regime of Ngo Dinh Diem. Under his dictatorial regime, the minority Catholics enjoyed majority status and privileges while the majority Buddhists were prohibited from practicing their religion in public. Prior to this, Buddhist monks were shot dead after attempting to fly a Buddhist flag on Phat Dan, the birthday of Gautama Buddha, in South Vietnam. They were allegedly killed by the dictator’s Catholic Army, but Diem put the blame on the Viet-Cong (Vietnamese communists). This led to civil disobedience and major protests among the Buddhists. When Thich Quang Duc failed to achieve reforms for the Buddhist population, he set himself on fire. According to the Buddhists, after this incident and even after his cremation his heart remained intact, which they interpreted as a sign of his great compassion. This event served as an important catalyst in overthrowing Diem’s government and the assassination of Diem and his brother. 9 Widow Burning Among the Hindus in India Sati, or the practice of self-immolation of a widow on her husband’s funeral pyre, is said to have originated 700 years ago in India. It is believed to have started among the ruling class or rajputs in India, when the rajput women burnt themselves to death after their men were defeated in battles to avoid being taken by the conquerors. Later on, it has become a manifestation of wifely devotion. It has been outlawed by the British rulers in 1829 but rare cases still continue to occur. In 2006, a Hindu woman was reported to have committed sati in Tuslipar village in the central state of Madhya Pradesh. The woman, whose name was Janakrani, was said to have burnt herself to death on the funeral pyre of her husband Prem Narayan. According to the villagers, after the cremation, the widow told them she had to attend to some work, but when they went looking for her they found her dead on the pyre. Reports said that nobody forced her to commit the act. The Inquisition Inquisition refers to the Roman Catholic Church groups charged with subduing heresy from around 1184, which includes the Episcopal Inquisition (11841230s) and the Papal Inquisition (1230s). The Inquisition was a response to large popular movements in Europe considered heretical or profane to Christianity, particularly Catharism (a Christian dualist movement which espoused the idea of two gods, one being good and the other evil) and Waldensians (a Protestant Christian movement which advocated that apostolic poverty is the way to perfection) in southern France and southern Italy. The word “inquisition,” has somehow become associated with the word “torture.” This is because after 1252, torture was used to punish the heretics. On May 15, a papal bull was issued by Pope Innocent IV, the Ad exstirpanda, which authorized the use of torture by inquisitors. One common form of torture was the strappado, wherein the hands were bound behind the back with a rope, and the accused was suspended this way, dislocating the joints painfully in both arms. THE GODHRA TRAIN INCIDENT IN 2002 In February 2002, a train was set on fire in which 59 people, including 25 women and 15 children, were killed. The fire happened inside the Sabarmati Express train near the Godhra railway station in the Indian state of Gujarat. Those who died inside the train were mostly Hindu pilgrims and activists returning from the holy city of Ayodhya after a religious ceremony at the disputed Babri Masjid site. It took six years for the commission appointed to investigate the said incident to conclude that the fire was committed by a mob of 1000-2000 people. Thirty-one Muslims were convicted by the court for the incident and conspiracy for the crime. The Babri Masjid site was a source of the Ayodha dispute, which was centered on access to the site traditionally regarded by the Hindus as the birthplace of the Hindu deity Rama. Hindus accuse the Muslims of demolishing a previous Hindu temple on the site to create the Babri mosque, which was destroyed by radical Hindu activists during a political rally that turned into a riot on December 6, 1992. The Godhra train incident in 2002 was seen as a Muslim retaliation for the demolition of the Babri mosque in 1992. The discovery in 2003 of Buddhist ruins underlying the Hindu and Muslim layers at Ayodhya only made matters more complicated. Although so many atrocities have been committed 10 in the name of religion, we should bear in mind that more often than not, there are other factors at play. Politics and economics often play a key role in religious conflicts. Sadly, some political parties take advantage of religious conflicts to pursue their own interests, and that is winning in the next elections. In India, for example, political parties have been accused of using Hindu-Muslim conflict to advance their own interests by ruling in favor of those who will give them the highest votes. WHAT'S MORE Let’s Practice! Identification. Choose from the list below. Write the correct answer in your notebook. B. True or False. Write EFFECTS if the statement is true and Religion if the state is false. 1. Religion is all bad. 2. History can be a product of religion. 3. Self- immolation is a form of revenge. 11 4. Religion has become a very important aspect in the development of civilizations and culture. 5. Positive and negative effects can be observed in religion. You did a great job… ☺☺☺ WHAT I CAN DO Let’s Do It! A. List at least 10 negative effects you observed in your religion. Negative Effects of Religion 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. B. Base on the negative effects you observed, give each negative effects solution so that it will become positive. 12 POST ASSESSMENT Let’s Answer This! Identify the effects of religion in each statement below. Write P if the statement is POSITIVE and N if the statement is NEGATIVE. Write your answers in your notebook. 1. Religion gives harmony. 2. Religion provides values. 3. Religion causes discrimination. 4. Religion affirms social hierarchy. 5. Religion gives people a sense of belonging. 6. Religion obstructs the use of reason. 7. Religion impedes scientific success and development. 8. Religion gives positive goals in life. 9. Religion reduces fear of the unknown. 10. Religion provides social change. 11. Religion triggers conflicts and fights. 12. Religion as an economic tool for exploiting the masses. 13. Religion help people to forgive. 14. Religion helps cleansing the mind. 15. Religion makes people divided. Let’s Remember This! Complete the paragraph with the necessary words or sentences that best describe what you have learned from the discussion. Write your paragraph in your notebook. Follow the format below. Religion is important because ____________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________. 13 REFERENCES: Book Ong, Jerome A. & Jose, Mary Dorothy dL. Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems (Teacher’s Manual). Quezon City: Vibal Group, Inc. 2016 Ong, Jerome A. & Jose, Mary Dorothy dL. Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems (Textbook). Quezon City: Vibal Group, Inc. 2016 Online Sources http://studylecturenotes.com/what-are-the-basic-elements-of- religion/?fbclid=IwAR35DtInk3TlOMI7R9hwI- zfhyUscaDE2x6jIknf4TWvYL065wiMXSaRTko https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/johnlennon/imagine.html

Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems PDF

Document Details

Tags

Related

Summary

Full Transcript

Upgrade to continue