Understanding Religion - Essay Example

Religion largely concerns an individual’s faith; whether he or she is a believer or not. Faith is the key pillar of all religions, and it is evident in all religions of the world. Without faith, in the existence of a supreme being or a higher mode of living, there would be no religions to talk about (Van, 2007). Religions all over the world strive to encourage a state of better coexistence between individuals and their environment. The earliest known religions have similarities with today’s religion because they still preach the same principles of living a pure life without sin.

However, there exists a difference in how sin is defined, in the different religions of the world. Different religions have different teachings and ideas that are deemed necessary to be able to attain the set goal of religion, which varies depending on the type of an individual’s religious background (Van, 2007). Religion is seen as the greatest unifier for all mankind, and it forges a very strong bond between believers.Traditions of a given community have contributed to the type of religion that develops around them, and the influence it has on their daily lives (Van, 2007).

For instance, Asian countries have different religious practices from those of the Western world as evidenced by predominant Buddhism, in Asia, and Christianity, in Western countries. Their religions were entrenched early at the beginning of their cultures and traditions. This made it easier for their type of religious beliefs to be accepted earlier, in the life of each individual as the normal way of life and existence (Van, 2007).Religious scriptures have played a key role in shaping and spreading different religions around the globe.

Scriptures are written documents like the Bible or the Quran that the believers of these religions believe contain sacred messages.