Describe the difference between religion & magic, giving examples of each. (Give 2 + examples each.) - Essay Example

The Difference between Religion and Magic. Most societies are built on beliefs and principles upon which peaceful co–existence is achieved. The resultant concepts of these beliefs are religion and magic among others. Religion and magic exhibit difference in meaning and thus deserve to be clearly distinguished to avoid confusion while using the two.The term religion comes from Latin word "religio" meaning the worship of demons long before Jesus Christ by the Romans (Frazer 30). Religion, therefore, consists of cultural systems, feelings and beliefs that provide a guideline in relation to relationship between divinity and human beings.

It’s made up of different norms or practices agreed upon and practices by a society. In contrary to magic, a religion is usually accepted and followed devotedly and mostly act as a guidance that contains a moral code governing the conduct of a community.Religion can also be well explained through consideration of its essential characteristics; religious belief, unity of a society of the same faith and finally religious practices and belief (Frazer 38). As indicated by sociologist, religion is not just monotheistic, some religions for example Confucianism recognize no gods at all while others practice polytheism, that is, believe in many deities.

Contrary to Adam and Eves story in the Bible, religion is not necessarily a revelation of origins of creation. Not all religions have similar myths of origin though they still fit within the correct definition of a religion. It is, therefore, correct to say that religion is a set of moral norms and principles concerning rules regulating behavior of its believers and sacred. All religion to a greater extent shares at least same features. For example, most religions embrace an individual responsible and is considered to specialize in religious practices (Frazer 41).

Christianity and Islam are some of the example of religion.Magic, on the other hand, can be defined as the art that claims to influence or foresee natural events (Frazer 5). It mainly works by invoking the supernatural. Magic is, therefore, performed through superstitious practices and behaviors intended to cause a predetermined or desired end. Magic does require a general agreed set of beliefs or practice upon which its practice is derived as compared to religion. It can be real or manipulation of natural events to attain the desired outcome (Frazer 10).

Some religions however incorporate a bit of belief in magic, especially those that arose from traditional practices. An individual who performs magic is assumed to be possessing magical powers. The power enables practitioners to connect with the spirits or inanimate spirits. These beliefs vary in accordance to the culture under consideration.Magicians, unlike priest or imams, undergo thorough training to grasp how to apply their skills and timing of its application. Magic, therefore, involve alteration of practitioners environment through charms, spells and other tools considered fit.

Other elements like visualization skills and ability to train the mind to think differently is also some of the prerequisites to performing magic. Its, therefore, true to say that magic involves three essential ingredients, that is, desire and manifestation and form in contrary. It means that the practitioner must want an event with a particular desire in order to end up with it on this level. The magician can then can make real his aspiration on a corporeal level after defining imaginings with precision and clarity (Frazer 34).

Among examples of magic are necromancy and crystallomancy, also known as sorcery.Religion is, therefore, different from magic as the latter mainly involves manipulation of nature with a desired goal in mind and not formed or based on a generally agreed set of beliefs. Magicians in contrary to priest and imams doesn’t have the authority to make spiritual intervention on behalf of the community. In most societies, magicians are also considered evil and outlawed as far as their religious beliefs are concerned.

Most religions are associated with a hope that exist a life after death. A religion, therefore, installs motives for positive living on earth as one awaits the life after death contrary to magic. Works CitedFrazer, James George. The golden bough a study of magic and religion. United States: Floating, 2009. Print.