Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems Handout PDF

INTRODUCTION TO WORLD NATURALISM RELIGIONS AND BELIEF SYSTEMS (e.g. Atheism, Agnosticism, Existentialism). It HANDOUT denies the existence of God. The material...

INTRODUCTION TO WORLD NATURALISM RELIGIONS AND BELIEF SYSTEMS (e.g. Atheism, Agnosticism, Existentialism). It HANDOUT denies the existence of God. The material universe is all that exists. PANTHEISM World View, Belief System, and ( e.g. Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism; much New Age Consciousness. They believe that Religion only the spiritual dimension exists. All else is A simple definition of a “worldview” is given an illusion. Man is spiritual and eternal. by Matt Slick. According to him, a worldview THEISM is a set of beliefs used to understand the world at large. Everyone has a set of (e.g. Judaism, Christianity, Islam). They principles by which to judge right and wrong believe that an infinite, personal God Exists. and which guides them in everyday living. God created the real world. People are You stop at a red light and go for a green. created in the image of God. (Cornejo, et al, 2019). ATHEISM BELIEF SYSTEM Refers to the disbelief, denial of, or lack of Belief System shapes your worldview about belief in the existence of God or gods. The the world, your existence, and your term comes from the Greek prefix a-, relationships with your fellowmen. It is an meaning “without”, and the Greek word ideology or set of principles that helps us to Theos, which means “god”. interpret our everyday reality. Materialism RELIGION Is the philosophical doctrine that physical Etymologically, the word came from matter is the only ultimate reality. It “Religare”, a Latin word that means “to bind maintains that all that exists is reducible to fast or hold together”, to secure, to bind, to matter or to qualities or upshots matters. fasten together, to create a system of SPIRITISM attitudes and beliefs. The world is inhabited by spirit beings who PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION began govern earthly activities. Man, us is the philosophical examination of the created by gods like the rest of the themes and concepts involved in religious creatures on earth. Material things are real traditions as well as the broader but they have spirits associated with them. philosophical task of reflecting on matters of Polytheism religious significance including the nature of religion itself, alternative concepts of God or This is the belief in many gods or deities. The ultimate reality, culture of Ancient Greeks and Romans depicts this kind of beliefs. SPIRITUALITY ELEMENTS OF RELIGION BY MARIA PERPETUA Is one’s integrative view of life. It involves a ARCILLA-SERAPIO quest for the meaning and ultimate value of life as opposed to an instrumentalist or 1. Belief in supernatural powers- human materialistic attitude of life. sufferings enable human beings to seek God’s help for their problems. 2. Belief in the holy or sacred- this is the possible without any affiliation to any heart of religion. (e.g. Scriptures and church or sect, then we could sketch of the Holy Bible are sacred to Jews a person who is spiritual but not religious, and Christians). and an individual who is religious but not 3. Systems of Rituals- these are the spiritual. different ways each religions A SPIRITUAL BUT NOT RELIGIOUS (SNBR) expresses their faith. MAN 4. Sinful Acts- usually a violation of laws established by God which members A spiritual but not religious (SNBR) have to follow. individual associates’ faith with the 5. The Method of Salvation- the belief in private realm of personal experience the afterlife or the idea of heaven rather than with the public realm of and hell. religious institutions, creeds, and rituals. 6. Mode of Worship- each religions He or she may ignore membership in have different expressions of worship religious institutions, participation in which include praying, kneeling, formal rituals, and adherence to official dancing, singing to name a few. denominational doctrines. 7. Liturgy and Ideology- Liturgy is described as public worship. It is a gathering of believers with ceremonies. How World Religion Began 8. Place of Worship- each religion has THE BIRTHPLACES OF RELIGIONS holy places in which they believe There are just a few regions or places where specific world religions emerged. India, the Holy Land, and East Asia are good examples. Indian Subcontinent- the birthplace of four of the world’s major religions and characterized by a diversity of religious beliefs and practices. God is present.  HINDUISM A SPIRITUAL MAN VS. A RELIGIOUS MAN is the oldest religion in the world, originating in Central Asia and the Many are still not comfortable in Indus Valley. distinguishing between a religious man The religion is based on God-given and a spiritual man. For they believe truths or laws and is a way of life- that essentially, being religious based on universal principles. encompasses being spiritual and vice Hindus worship many different gods versa. But if one limits the meaning of and minor deities, honor a range of being religious to something like being symbols, respect several different member of or adhering to an holy books and celebrate with a institutionalized ritualistic religious wide variety of traditions, holidays, organization and treats being spiritual as and customs.  bank of the Jordan River, traditionally synonymous both with the biblical Land  BUDDHISM of Israel and with the region of Palestine. Buddhism is a faith that was founded by Siddhartha Gautama—also JUDAISM known as “the Buddha” more than 2,500 years ago in India. Judaism, a monotheistic religion developed among the ancient Hebrews. The religion’s founder, Buddha, is considered an extraordinary being, Judaism is characterized by a belief in one but not a god. The word Buddha transcendent God who revealed himself to means “enlightened.” Abraham, Moses, and the Hebrew prophets and by a religious life in accordance with The path to enlightenment is Scriptures and rabbinic traditions. attained by utilizing morality, meditation, and wisdom. Buddhists Judaism is the complex phenomenon of a often meditate because they total way of life for the Jewish people, believe it helps awaken truth. comprising theology, law, and innumerable cultural traditions. JAINISM CHRISTIANITY Indian religion teaching a path to spiritual purity and enlightenment is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion through disciplined nonviolence to all based on the life and teachings of Jesus living creatures. Christ. Like Hindus and Buddhists, Jains believe Christians believe God sent his son Jesus, the in reincarnation. This cycle of birth, Messiah, to save the world. They believe death, and rebirth is determined by Jesus was crucified on the cross to offer the one’s karma. Jains believe bad karma is forgiveness of sins and was resurrected three caused by harming living things. days after his death before ascending to heaven. SIKHISM ISLAM is a monotheistic religion and philosophy, that originated in the is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion Punjab region of India around the centered on the Quran and the teachings of end of the 15th century CE. Muhammad, the religion's founder. They believe in one God called The word “Islam” means “submission to the Waheguru, meaning 'Wonderful Lord' will of God.” or 'Wonderful Teacher’. Muslims are monotheistic and worship one, Sikhism has about 27 million followers all-knowing God, who in Arabic is known as worldwide, with 83% of them living in Allah. India. It is the fifth-largest religion in the world. East Asia The Holy Land is also known as Far Eastern Religion. In the study of comparative religion, the East Asian is an area roughly located between the religions, or Taoic religions, form a subset of Mediterranean Sea and the eastern the Eastern religions.   Sense of belongingness CONFUCIANISM  Explain the unknown Confucianism is a philosophy  Provides moral values developed in 6th-century BCE China, which is considered by some a NEGATIVE EFFECT OF RELIGION secular-humanist belief system, by  Triggers conflicts and fights some a religion, and by others a social code.  Causes discrimination Confucianism has existed for more  Affirms social hierarchy than 2,500 years and is one of the most influential religious philosophies  Economic tool for exploiting the in the history of China. It is masses concerned with inner virtue, morality  Obstruct the use of reason and respect for the community and its values.  Impedes scientific success and SHINTOISM development Shinto means 'way of the gods' and it INTRODUCTION TO WORLD is the oldest religion in Japan. RELIGIONS AND BELIEF SYSTEMS REVIEW HANDOUT Shinto's key concepts include purity, harmony, family respect, and JUDAISM subordination of the individual before the group. The faith has no founder or prophets and there is no major text which outlines its principal beliefs. (Star of David)- Symbol of Judaism Religion TAOISM Synagogue- The place where Jews pray. is a philosophy and religion from ancient China that teaches living in Western Wall- A wall from the Ancient harmony with the Tao, the source Temple in Jerusalem. and essence of everything. Repair the World- Jews must make the world better by helping. Tao means "Way." According to Taoists, is the spiritual force that Judaism began about 4000 years underlies the universe and is found in ago with the Hebrew people in the all things. Even though it is a part of Middle East. all things, it is greater than all things. It is the ultimate reality. It is the First Monotheistic Religion in the World. POSITIVE EFFECT OF RELIGION Abraham, a Hebrew man, is  Promotes social harmony considered the father of the Jewish faith because he promoted the  Provides social change central idea of the Jewish faith: that  Gives positive goal in life there is one God.  FOUNDER: ABRAHAM HEBREWS Abraham (Avraham) was called by Refers to those who accepted God to leave his country and his Yahweh as their God and much of people and journey to an their history is written in Hebrew. undesignated land, where he ISRAELITES became the founder of a new nation. Refers to the descendants of the Hebrews, which originated from Jews regard Abraham as the first Abraham. Patriarch of the Jewish people and the first person to teach the idea God’s offer a Promised Land (Israel) that there was only one God. He was for Abraham and his descendants. the common forefather of three monotheistic religions in the world. JEW (JEWISH) According to the bible, God tested Comes from Yehudah or Judah, the Abraham by sacrificing his son Isaac Southern Kingdom of Israel. on Mount Moriah is known as the Now it is used to refer to someone Binding of Isaac. In this biblical who practices Judaism and takes account, God orders Abraham to part in Jewish Culture. offer Isaac as a burnt offering, but at the last moment, an angel Jews do not believe that Jesus was intervenes and instructs Abraham to anything more than a good and sacrifice a ram instead. wise man who lived and died 2000 years ago. Jews still await their messiah. MT. SINAI - here is where God presented the 10 commandments to Moses ORTHODOX JUDAISM Belief in the direct revelation of divine law which was recorded in the MOSES Torah. Moses is considered one of the most It is the eternal, unchanging, and the important religious leaders in world sole guide for life. history. Carefully, and strictly observe the He is claimed by the religions of commandments as the direct will of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and God. Bahai as an important prophet of God and the founder of monotheistic belief. CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM The Ten Commandments are a set of Agree that change was necessary moral guidelines from the Bible that but felt Reform had eliminated too are meant to provide a basic code many basic Jewish Practices. of conduct for believers to live by. It is a sector of Judaism that seeks to Throughout Judaism’s history, its conserve the traditional elements of followers have been called by many Judaism while at the same time names:  allowing for modernization that is less people, and tells of the lives of radical. the patriarchs and matriarchs. Motto is “Tradition and Change”. Exodus (Shemot)- account of REFORM JUDAISM Israelites enslaved in Egypt, the exodus from Egypt, the receiving Reform Judaism affirms the central of the 10 Commandments at Mt. tenets of Judaism- God, Torah, and Sinai. Israel. Leviticus (Vayiqra)- gives God’s Embraces diverse beliefs and Practices. ethical and ritual laws and specific instructions to priests on Reform Jews accept the Torah as how to perform their duties. the foundation of God’s ongoing revelation while learning also from Numbers (Bemidbar)- recounts of modern exploration of its the Israelites through the desert development. and gives more of God’s ethical and ritual laws. Sacred Text and Selected Issues Deuteronomy (Devarim)- Moses of Judaism reviews the laws and the people prepare to enter the promised The Torah is consisting of the five land. (5) books of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament by Christians) that Nevi’im means “Prophet.” were given by God to Moses on -Contains writing of God’s messenger, Mount Sini. It is also the most who spoke his word to the Hebrews. significant text of Judaism which means “to teach” or “the law”. Two Sub-groups: Former Prophets FIVE (5) BOOKS OF TORAH Latter Prophets (Pentateuch) Former Prophet- Joshua, Judges, Samuel, 1. Genesis- In the Beginning Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. 2. Exodus- Names Latter Prophet (12 Prophet)- Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, 3. Leviticus- And He Called Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, 4. Numbers- In the desert of Zechariah, and Malachi. 5. Deuteronomy- Things or Word Ketuvim-is the third and final section of the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), after Torah Genesis (Bereshit) – contains (instruction) and Nevi’im (prophet). In stories of creation, records the English translations of the Hebrew Bible, establishment of the covenant this section is usually entitled “Writings”. between God and the Jewish It contains wisdom literature, poetry, songs, narrative, history, religious During the war, the Nazi regime philosophy, and love hymns. and their collaborators systematically murdered over six Books include: million Jewish people. Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, CHRISTIANITY Nehemiah, and Chronicles. Contains wisdom literature, Cross- Symbol of Christian Religion poetry, songs, narrative, history, religious philosophy, and love Christianity is considered the most hymns. popular religion in the world with the greatest number of TALMUD AND MISHNAH adherents among all religions. The Hebrew term Talmud (“study” It centers on the life, teachings, or “learning”) commonly refers to death, and resurrection of Jesus a compilation of ancient Christ, who is considered the teachings regarded as sacred Messiah or Savior of humanity. and normative by Jews from the time it was compiled until FOUNDER: JESUS CHRIST modern times and still so regarded by traditional religious In Christianity, Jesus of Nazareth is Jews. the Christ, the promised “Messiah”, and thus its central The Mishnah (“repeated study”) is figure. a collection of originally oral laws supplementing scriptural laws. The most common symbol for Christianity is the cross, for ANTI-SEMITISM Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross to save humanity Antisemitism is a certain perception from their sins and to restore of Jews, which may be expressed as people’s relationship with God hatred toward Jews. the Father. Anti-Semitism, Hostility toward or Jesus is depicted as a Jewish discrimination against Jews as a teacher from Galilee who religious group or “race.” performed many miracles of HOLOCAUST healing and deliverance. The word “holocaust,” came He called 12 Jewish men to follow from the Greek words “holos” him, working closely with them to (whole) and “kaustos” (burned), be trained and prepared to carry was historically used to describe on the ministry. a sacrificial offering burned on an altar.  THE TEN COMMANDMENTS SACRED TEXT: BIBLE OLD TESTAMENTS The Old Testament, is based principally upon the Hebrew Bible, a collection of religious writings by ancient Israelites believed by most Christians (and observant Jews) to be the sacred word of stianity, it considered as a map of God. life, a series of directives helping NEW TESTAMENTS Christians on their journey to be with God. The New Testament, is the second major part of the Christian biblical 1. You shall have no other canon. It discusses the teachings gods before Me. and person Jesus, as well as 2. You shall make no idols. events in the first-century Church 3. You shall not take the of Christ. name of the Lord your God in vain. CREEDS 4. Keep the Sabbath day The Creeds, is an idea or set of holy. believes that guides the actions 5. Honor your father and your of a person or group. mother. 6. You shall not murder. A statement concerning what we 7. You shall not commit believe. adultery. 8. You shall not steal. 9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 10. You shall not covet. THE LORD’S PRAYER In Christianity, it is also known as the "Our Father," is one of the most well-known as a complete APOSTLE’S CREED prayer that address all the needs The Apostles’ Creed is a historic of a man. summary of essential truths and contains major tenants of Christian beliefs.  GOSPEL VIRGIN BIRTH The teachings of the Christian The virgin birth of Jesus or simply Religion. “Virgin Birth” designates the doctrine of traditional Christianity Gospel means “Good News” that Jesus Christ had no natural about Jesus Christ. father, but was conceived in the DOCTRINES: womb of his mother Mary through the power of the Holy HOLY TRINITY Spirit, and born while Mary was The Christians also believe in the yet a virgin. Holy Trinity, which means God DIVINITY OF CHRIST has three aspects— Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. The divinity of Christ is the belief that Jesus Christ is God. This is a SEVEN (7) SACRAMENTS OF CHRISTIANITY central doctrine of Christianity, as 1. Baptism- the initiation into the it is the basis of trusting Christ's Christian faith and community. authority and teachings. 2. Eucharist- the sharing of the body The Bible and the Church affirm and blood of Christ that Christ has both human and 3. Confirmation- the strengthening divine natures and that he of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. possesses the attributes of deity, 4. Reconciliation- the forgiveness of such as eternity, omnipotence, sins and restoration of grace. omniscience, and omnipresence. 5. Anointing of the Sick- the healing and comfort of the ill and dying. 6. Marriage- a lifelong union RESURRECTION between a man and a woman for procreation and mutual Generally, “resurrection” support, is a natural institution, designates the concept of a but it is also one of the seven living being coming back to life sacraments of the Catholic after death. Church. As a sacrament, it It is the cornerstone of Christian reflects the union of Jesus Christ doctrine and the foundation of and His Church. Christian hope. 7. Holy Orders- is the continuation of Christ's priesthood, which He LAST JUDGEMENT bestowed upon His Apostles. There are three levels to this The Bible declares that God “has sacrament of ordination: the set a day in which he purposes to episcopate, the priesthood, and judge the inhabited earth.” This the diaconate. day of judgment, also known as the Final Judgment, is when Jesus, the Son of God, will judge "the living and the dead" before  destroying the old heaven and grown in space and therefore, the earth, which are corrupted by sin. modern Al-Quds or Jerusalem. Judgment Day is the end of the Islam is an Abrahamic world when Jesus Christ will judge monotheistic religion that every person who has lived and espouses that God is one and separate believers from non- incomparable and that the believers. purpose of man’s existence is to worship and serve God. The Arabic word for God is SECTORS OF CHRISTIANITY “Allah”. ROMAN CATHOLICISM- According to this The most populous Muslim Christian sect, the apostles and Jesus Christ country is Indonesia, followed by are the source of the religion's history. Pakistan and Bangladesh. PROTESTANTISM - emerged in the FOUNDER: PROPHET MUHAMMAD reformation Period in 16th century, it was Muhammad was the last prophet begun by the theologian and Catholic priest according to Islam. Martin Luther. His revelations, covering political, EASTERN ORTHODOX- and social as well as religious principles became the basis of Islamic religion and civilization. ISSUES RELIGIONS ANTI-SLAVERY COMMITMENT- MT. HIRA- is a mountain in Makkah where historical events brought about by religions, the Prophet would spend time worshipping such as the assembly of prominent religious and reflecting. He received the first leaders in the Vatican to pledge to revelation in the Mount Hira situated near collaborate toward the end of slavery by the summit of the mountain. 2020. SACRED TEXT: QUR’AN, HADITH ISLAM The Qur’an (Koran) is the holy book of Islam. It is a primary revelation in Islam, STAR AND CRESCENT-Symbol of Islamic held to be the direct word of Religion. God given to the Prophet Muhammad. JERUSALEM- Al-Quds, an Arabic name which means the Abode of Holiness, is a In 114 chapters (suras), the holy city to the three Abrahamic faiths. Qur’an discusses several topics The old city has, by the lapse of time, including the life of Muhammad,  the relationship between God The shahada involves and humans, prophets and pronouncing the Arabic messengers, and human statement “La ilah illa Allah wa responsibility and judgment. Muhammad rasul Allah”, meaning “There is no God but Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the one God, and Muhammad is the timeless word of God, the like his prophet”. which no human can produce. It is inimitability and anchored on the belief in the divine authorship SALAT (PRAYER) of the book. Daily prayer is a touchstone in a The Qur’an first chapter is al- Muslim’s life. In Islam, prayer is Fatiha (“the Opening”) is a small directly to Allah alone, directly, chapter that is recited during without any intermediary or each of the five daily prayers and intercessor. in several other ritual prayers. Muslims take time out five times It starts with the formula “in the each day to direct their hearts name of God, the Merciful Lord towards worship. The movements of Mercy” (‘bism Allah al-Rahman of prayer – standing, bowing, al-Rahim’). sitting, and prostrating – represent Every chapter is divided into humility before the Creator. verses called ayat (singular aya, Words of prayer include words of meaning “sign” or “proof”). praise and thanks to Allah, verses from the Quran, and personal The Hadith is a second source of supplications. religious and moral guidance known as “Sunna”. DOCTRINES: FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM SAUM (FASTING) The Five Pillars of Islam, called Muslim fasting prescribed only for arkan in Arabic. healthy adult Muslims during the 30 days of Ramadan, the ninth It refers to the five ritual duties month in the Islamic calendar. that mainstream Muslims consider as principal to their faith. No food, drink, or sexual relations are allowed from dawn until dusk. SHAHADA OR KALIMA (PROFESSING THE CONFESSION OF Sick individuals and nursing FAITH) women are excused, though they are expected to make up The first act of worship that every for missing the fast at other times Muslim performs is a confirmation in the year when they are healthy of faith, known as the shahada. again or no longer nursing. ZAKAT (ALMSGIVING)  In the Quran, giving in charity to that he is eternal, omniscient, the poor is often mentioned omnipotent, and all-merciful. hand-in-hand with daily prayer. It is an annual wealth tax that PRACTITIONERS: SUNNI, SHI’ITE serves as just and lawful claim of the poor against the affluent Sunni Islam is one of the two main ones. branches of Islam, Shia (or Shi’ite) Islam being the other. Sunni It is central to a Muslim’s core Muslims constitute the vast belief that everything we have majority of the Islamic community comes from Allah, and is not ours in the world. to hoard or covet. We should feel blessed for everything we have Sunnis believe that the Qur’an is and must be willing to share with the literal word of God. They those less fortunate. believe in electing their religious leaders; that the position is not HAJJ (PILGRIMAGES) passed down through the Unlike the other “pillars” of Islam, Prophet Muhammad’s Bloodline. which are performed on a daily The first Caliph (leader) chosen or annual basis, the pilgrimage is by the Sunnis was a friend of required to be done only once in Prophet Muhammad named Abu a lifetime. Bakr. Such is the impact of the Shia (or Shi’ite) Islam people experience and the hardship that believe many of the same things it entails. The Hajj pilgrimage as Sunnis, including all the core occurs during a certain set month tenets of Islam (a monotheistic every year, lasts for several days, faith system, etc.) and is only required of those Muslims who are physically and Shia Muslim’s core difference financially able to make the from Sunnis is their belief that only journey. Prophet Muhammad’s direct descendants can be leaders of the Islamic Faith. GOD: ALLAH PRACTITIONERS: SUFI Allah is the Arabic name of the Sufism, is a mystical Islamic belief supreme being. The term is a and practice in which Muslims contraction of the Arabic al-llah, seek to find the truth of divine “the God”. love and knowledge through The Qur’an declares that Allah is direct personal experience of the creator and the one who God. rewards and punishes; that he is It consists of a variety of mystical unique and can only be one; paths that are designed to  ascertain the nature of humanity they began to be viewed as a and of God and to facilitate the threat by Mecca’s elite. experience of the presence of Yathrib- an oasis town north of divine love and wisdom in the Mecca. world. ISSUES: GENDER INEQUALITY In Islamic countries, the issue of gender inequality involves a secular, liberal feminism seeking to eradicate discrimination against women and to outflow practices such as polygyny (multiple wives), limitation of the right of divorce to the husband, and purdah. Purdah, refers to a system of seclusion of women practiced by some Muslims (and Hindu People). ISSUES: MILITANT ISLAM For non-Muslims, the terms “Militant Islam” and Islamic fundamentalist induce images of hostage crises, ambassies under siege, hijackings, and suicide bombers. Islamic Militants try to attain their goals through violence. ISSUES: MIGRATION The issue of migration, on the other hand, is never new to Muslims. During the initial years of Muhammad’s preaching, he made just a few converts among the pagan Meccans who worshipped many different gods. But over time, Muhammad’s adherents grew in number, and