PPT RELIGION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF RELIGION 09-04-2023.pptx

Characteristics of Religion (Introduction to Religion and Belief System)

1. RELIGION

2. QUESTIONS: Based on the video, what is religion? 2. Based on the video, what do you think is the essence of religion to the people?

3. WHAT IS RELIGION?

4. Worldviews and belief systems are necessary for religions in order to protect and spread their own particular belief as a way of “keeping the faith” through generations. Catholic Christians keep in their hearts the “ Apostles’ Creed ”, the Muslims practice “ the five pillars of Islam ”, the Shinto reveres the dead ancestors or “Kami ”, the Confucians hold dearly the necessity of past traditions , and the Taoists embrace the importance of being close to nature .(Cornejo et al, 2019). Your beliefs shape your worldviews but your beliefs and worldviews are oftentimes shaped by religion. There is a complex interplay between religion, belief and worldview.

5. Religion may be defined as “an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods” (Merriam-Websters Dictionary 2014).

6. ELEMENTS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF RELIGION Religions have different elements and characteristics which are non-negotiable. Members should follow or undergo the process to become a genuine believer. The elements of religions written by Maria Perpetua Arcilla-Serapio lay-down these basic characteristics at least for the major religions.

7. ELEMENTS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF RELIGION Belief in supernatural powers : the power which is beyond human powers. The human sufferings enable human being to seek God’s help for their problems. Belief in the holy or sacred : This is the heart of every religion. Every religion has sacred books or texts. For example, Scriptures and the Bible are sacred for the Jews and so with the Christians, Qur’an for Muslims, and Tripitaka for Buddhists and Vedas for Hindus. But something sacred is not just books but also places, symbols, animals, rocks and many more. Hindus for example believes that cows are sacred because of their beliefs in reincarnation.

8. Systems of rituals : these are the different ways each religions expresses their faith. Catholic Christians have the seven sacraments which include ceremonies and rituals. For example, Baptism. A child must be baptized at an early age in the church with the presence of parents, God parents, priest as celebrator and the community that supports the child. The most important symbol of baptism is – water . It symbolizes cleansing from sin . The child also has to wear white dress to symbolize purity Sinful acts : usually a violation of the laws established by God which each members has to follow. For example the Ten Commandments for Judaism and Christians and the Five Pillars of Islam which when violated the believer commits a grievous sin.

9. The Method of salvation : the belief in the afterlife or the idea of heaven and hell. If you are a good believer you will go to heaven but if not, you will go to hell. Islam went further by believing that if one’s life is sacrificed against the enemies of Islam, their soul go straight to heaven. Mode of worship : each religions has different expressions of worship which include praying, kneeling, dancing, singing to name a few.

10. Liturgy and Ideology : Liturgy is described as public worship. It is a gathering of believers with ceremonies such as wedding ceremonies, worship services or bible studies. Place of worship : Each religion has holy places which they believe God is present such as churches, temples, mosques and other sacred places.

11. The elements or characteristics of religions mentioned above are necessary for a particular religion to perpetuate their worldviews and belief systems.

12. ACTIVITY # 2: Direction: Complete table below by placing the appropriate words or definition. Elements/ characteristics of Religion Definition System of Rituals     The power beyond human power. Liturgy and Ideology     The Violation of the laws established by God. Mode of worship     The heart of religion

13. QUIZ TIME!! Direction: Identify what is asked in the statement. ________1. This is the heart of every religion. Every religion has sacred books or texts. ________2. These are the different ways each religions expresses their faith. Catholic Christians have the seven sacraments which include ceremonies and rituals. ________3. Each religions has different expressions of worship which include praying. ________4. Usually a violation of the laws established by God which each members has to follow. ________5. Liturgy is described as public worship. It is a gathering of believers with ceremonies such as wedding ceremonies, worship services or bible studies.

14. ASSIGNMENT: Direction: Answer the Question Below. Differentiate Religion from Spirituality.