The Religious Life of Planet Earth - Essay Example

? REPORT ON THE RELIGIOUS LIFE OF PLANET EARTH Introduction The topic on religion has tended to elicit a lot of controversy and confusion pertaining to its definition and core practices. To this end, some of the definitions accorded to religion normally exhibit deficiency in the belief systems that should constitute religion or exhibit ambiguity and vagueness whereby anything qualifies as religion (Bowker, 1997). Evidently, it is inherent within humankind to practice religion through the development of a belief pattern. Consequently, the best way to determine the practice of religion on Earth and its nature is through examining the basic characteristics of religion which may exhibit mutual connection with other belief system but holistically constitute a religious distinct. Furthermore, examples in relation to a descriptive analysis of behavioral actions in tandem with the religious characteristics will be incorporated. Belief and Reverence in the Supernatural Beings The basic and fundamental aspect of religion foremost entails a belief and reverence in the Supernatural beings (Bowker, 1997). These include belief in gods, spirits, and God in humans express acknowledgment and reverence to the existence of supernatural beings within an ultimate reality world. Examples depicting belief in supernatural beings is evident among religious groups such as the Hindus that acknowledge the existence of 330 million gods under a single the sole Ultimate Reality of the Brahman, which supersedes all forms and names (Bowker, 1997). Among the Christians, there is the monotheist belief in one supreme and Supernatural God. However, it should be noted that the practice of theism should not be mistaken for religion as is normally the case. Evidently, theism can exist beyond the confines of religion and similarly some religions can be classified as atheistic. The existence of supernatural deity is non-existent with non-religious mandarins. Ritual Actions directed at Sacred Objects, Places and Times Religious persons normally exhibit ritualistic practices that involve reverence to the sacred entities (Haught, 1990). Evidently, such ritualistic practices contribute towards the uniting of members of the religious cohort with their descendants and also ancestors. The ritual acts a pertinent role in the social relations of religious groups. It is pertinent for the ritual acts to happen in sacred places, sacred times and accompanied by sacred objects. Examples of such ritualistic acts are evident through the celebrations or reenactment of sacred stories that are symbolized through ritual rites that occur annually. For example, the celebration of Christmas Day among Christians is sacred ritual undertaken every year while Idd ul Fitr is a ritual synonymous among the Muslims. Distinction between the Sacred and the Profane Places, Objects, Time It is a common aspect among religion to offer a distinction between the sacred and the ordinary or profane objects, places or time (Bowker, 1997). Evidently, this distinction enables believers to exercise devotion on the hidden supernatural and transcendental values of the world. A perfect example depicting this aspect is the distinction placed upon Mecca as the holiest place for the Muslims compared to other places of the world. This evident through the ritual prayers, five times a day, conducted by Muslims while facing the direction of the holy land of Mecca. Furthermore, this is evident through the annual pilgrimage known as Hajj conducted by Muslims annually to the holy place to offer devotion. Evidently, this takes place within the Muslim calendar in the month known as Dhu’l-Hijja. On the other hand, the Christians exhibit reverence and recognition of sacred days such as Easter and Christmas within the Christian calendar. Evidently, the sacred places, objects and times provide recognition that there is more meaning to life than what is visually perceived in the physical world. The Recognition of Ethical Principles or Moral Code The practice of ethical principles or moral codes is one fundamental characteristic of religious followers (Haught, 1990). To this end, the religious doctrines entail teachings that constitute basic moral codes of conduct. Evidently, due to the social and communal feature of religions, it is a pre-requisite for them to equally offer directions on the social relations among people in terms of behavior and treatment. The existences of the moral codes are normally credited to the supernatural entities that are creators of both the code and human beings. One of the examples is in relation to Buddhists who believe that the moral codes pertaining to Buddha entails vows for chastity, dietary restrictions, and poverty for monks. The Islamic law details the shariah which act as governing laws for Muslims within Islamic states.On the other hand, the existence of the Ten Commandments for Christians provide an anchorage for the legal and moral requirements that assists the adherent in avoiding sin. Communication with the Divine The relationship between the supernatural and the religious adherents is normally personalized in nature whereby it is characterized by an interactive and communicative process. To this end, the various attempts of interaction synonymous with various religions include rituals such as sacrifices. Another example is prayer that is normally engaged with Christians, Jews and Muslims as a form of communication with the supernatural God. To this end, people may engage in prayer in private or publicly as a congregation. On the other hand, the Buddhists and Hindus engage in meditation as a means towards establishing interaction with the inner truth. Mutual Religious Feelings There are various religious feelings that are mutual among religious believers whenever they are in the confines of sacred placed and objects as well as during engagement in sacred rituals. Examples of such religious feelings include a sense of guilt, sense of mystery, awe or adoration. Evidently, the religious feelings exhibit a connection with the supernatural. To this end, the religious feelings are at times assumed as presence of the supernatural beings. An example depicting the evidence of such emotional feelings is during religious worship. Existence of Social Groupings defined by Religion The existence of social groupings that are shaped by religions offers incisive evidence. To this end, religion plays the role of organizing people socially through the bringing together of like minded adherents in matters pertaining to worship, preservation of orthodox teachings, leadership and living together. Examples of such social organizations in relation to leadership, is evident in religious groups such as Protestant Christians that do not have a pope in contrast to Catholic Christians. On the other hand, Sunni Muslims lack supreme religious leaders such as the ayatollahs among the Shiite Muslims. Furthermore, the religious social groupings such as Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists among others all have different institutional structures and religious functions. Organizing life for Individuals based on a Religious World View. The definition and functioning of a world view is largely shaped by religion. In this regard, religion presents a holistic picture of the world to the adherents and defines the context of place for them therein. For example, religion may provide explanations as to whether an individual is an actor in someone else’s life or if the world is in existence for them. To this end, the world view as determined by religion plays a role in organizing the personal and religious life of an individual. To this end, such religious organization is evident through defining the appropriate occupations, personal sacrifices and dress codes. For example, the hijab is religious attire synonymous with Muslim women that covers most parts of the body including a veil for the face. The Buddhist monk are associated with the saffron rob and evidently all of them have shaved heads. Recruitment of New Adherents The spread of religious doctrines globally is normally characterized by massive recruitment of new members (Bowker, 1997). Moreover, the preservation of a specific religion and guarantee of its future is achieved through the act of procreation within the religious faithful. To this end, the popularity and practice of religion is evident in the primary religions of the world such as Christianity, Buddhism and Islam. In addition, most of the religions promote marriages and families within the religion. Transmission of sacred written and oral literature The religions of the world exhibit an existence of sacred written and oral literature which is taught to the faithful adherents. Evidently, such literatures contribute towards defining worldviews. The religious literatures detail the existence of creation stories which provide meaning and show how it fits within a logical framework that offer explanations on humanities purpose in life. In addition, there are stories pertaining to the lives and teachings of famous religious leaders. They essentially offer guidance on how to achieve the success of a hopeful future. Examples of the religious literatures are evident through Bible for the Christians and the Koran for the Muslims. Conclusion Evidently, the cultural phenomenon of religion is characterized by a complex and diverse construct that defines human personality and social relations. To this end, it is pertinent to recognize that man is inherently religious as they search for the meaning to life and existence. In this regard, the realities of proving that man is religious lies in demystifying the diverse characteristic of religion and relate it to the human practice on Earth. References Bowker, J. (1997). World religions. New York: DK Pub.. Haught, J. F. (1990). What Is Religion?: An Introduction. n.a: Paulist Press. Read More