Introduction to the World Religion (lesson 1)

ITWR lesson 1

1. INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS AND BELIEF SYSTEMS

2. Do you BELIEVE that there is GOD ?

3. Is there an EXISTENCE of GOD ?

4. BELIEF refers to a conviction concerning particular ideas. shapes people’s ideas regarding reality and is influenced by their perceptions, experiences, and ideas. not formed solely based on perception and experience but through a mental process based on ideas and attitudes. not only based on perception, fact, or empirical evidence but also the acceptance of the likelihood of something being true.

5. FAITH generally defined as a belief that is not based on proof. It also implies confidence or trust in a person or a thing. In religion, faith refers to the observance of religious obligations, an attitude of reverence toward entities and ideas that are considered important in that religion, and an unwavering trust in the major beliefs of that particular religion.

6. BELIEF SYSTEMS stories a person tells oneself or ideas that people hold that define their personal sense of reality. All human beings have their belief system that they utilize, and it is through this mechanism that they make sense of the world. introduce a set of symbols that define larger philosophical and spiritual ideas, which also influence the way people look at their life, the society, and the world in general

7. WORLDVIEW similar to a belief system While belief systems attempt to explain larger issues of philosophy, fundamental beliefs, and ways of doing things, a worldview tries to explain and interpret reality, history, and civilization. Major worldviews that influence religious beliefs include: Monism Polytheism Monotheism Atheism Agnosticism

8. MONISM is from the Greek word “ monos ” which means “single”. It is a philosophical worldview in which all of reality can be reduced to one “thing” or “essence.” This view believes that “all is one,” that there are no fundamental divisions, and that a unified set of laws underlies all of nature. MAJOR WORLDVIEWS

9. POLYTHEISM refers to the belief in and adoration of several deities. Each deity or god is typically distinguished by a certain function and often has human characteristics. This is true for ancient Greek and Roman gods and goddesses who were both human in appearance and behavior. Hinduism is another major polytheistic religion. MAJOR WORLDVIEWS

10. MONOTHEISM is the faith in a single, all-powerful god. Examples of monotheistic religions are Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. MAJOR WORLDVIEWS

11. A THEISM is the disbelief in gods or supernatural entities. It is a view that accepts reason and aims to establish a lifestyle and ethical outlook verifiable by experience and scientific methods. MAJOR WORLDVIEWS

12. AGNOSTICISM the view or belief that the existence of God, the divine, or the supernatural is either unknowable in principle or currently unknown in fact. It can also mean apathy towards such religious beliefs and refer to personal limitations rather than a worldview. MAJOR WORLDVIEWS

13. THEOLOGY refers to the study of religious faith, practice, and experience, especially the study of God and His relation to the world and His creation. Theological studies are done in a rational and philosophical manner and have given rise to specific theological schools of thought.

14. RELIGION an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or group of gods Latin word “ religio ” – something done with overanxious or scrupulous attention to detail Latin verb “ religare ” – to tie together or to bind fast In its original sense, the word refers to the expression of proper piety, that is, binding to god.

15. RELIGION commonly refers to an institution that has a set of organized practices and a structured belief system shared by and among those who are members of the institution. Their transcendental beliefs are passed on from members to converts, and are based on either a formally documented creed or established cultural practices.

16. COMMON CHARACTERISTICS AMONG RELIGIONS

17. COMMON CHARACTERISTICS AMONG RELIGIONS Three philosophical views: Atheists believe that no deity exists. Theists believe in deity or deities. Agnostics say that the existence of a deity cannot be proved or disproved.

18. COMMON CHARACTERISTICS AMONG RELIGIONS It is based on the belief people are in some danger from which they must be saved. Major religions like Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism tress that salvation is the highest goal of the faithful and one that all followers should try to achieve.

19. COMMON CHARACTERISTICS AMONG RELIGIONS It is a set of moral teachings and values that all religions have in some form. Such a code or ethics tells believers how to conduct their lives. It instructs them how to act toward the deity and one another.

20. COMMON CHARACTERISTICS AMONG RELIGIONS These include the acts and ceremonies by which believers appeal to and serve God, deities, and other sacred powers. The performance of a ritual is often called a service . The most common ritual is prayer or for some Asian religions, meditation . Many religions have rituals intended to purify the body. Some have pilgrimages . Rituals commemorate events in the history of religions and mark important events in a person’s life.

21. W hy do RELIGIONS exist? Give us a way to think about our own morality Help us to find security in an insecure world Organize us socially Assist the poorest and the weakest with survival Stimulate artistic production

22. “ Spiritual ” means “relating or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things”. From the Latin word spiritus , its verb root spirare means “to breath”. The main belief of spirituality is of having an invisible spirit or soul enjoying an earthy experience, or journey, in a visible body.

23. Spirituality is about one’s soul and inner self. Being spiritual involves holding one’s set of beliefs and practices and searching for the purpose of life. The goal of spirituality is to realize one’s inherent power to combat all of life’s challenges and connect with something greater than oneself.

24. An automatic intuitive connection with every other spiritual being on earth. The power and centrality of instinct and intuition to guide life and its outcomes. Emphasis on loving and emotionally supporting others, and reaching out to them as a natural way of living. A keen appreciation of, and interest in, the wonders of nature and its possibilities. The feeling of serenity, fearlessness, contentment, and acceptance of one’s life and fate.

25. believe that the divine is within us believe in a superhuman power outside of you, the creator of the universe Personal belief or values system Dictated belief or conditioned mind God is inside the heart God is inside the mind Spiritual laws-based Faith-based Heaven is a state of mind Heaven is a place you go when you die Human relationship/deed Brick or Mortar Temple

26. CONCLUSION In seeking the divine, whether from a church pew on a Sunday or on top of a ridge looking at a glorious sunrise, we increase our feelings of happiness, peace, and appreciation for the life that we have. Religion and spirituality are neither the same thing nor completely separate from one another. In spirituality, one may ponder, “Where do I find meaning in life, and what are my true values?” Meanwhile, in religion, common questions might be “What is the truth?” and “What is right and wrong?”