The Definition of Religion - Essay Example

RELIGION Religion The definition of religion is an extremely difficult element because of the larger context within which religion is believed to cover. The tem religion can be identified as being an element of humanity, and which is as wide as humanity in terms of context. The social setting that defines humanity can equally be applied in identifying religion, without the specification of the beliefs, practices, and moral values held by individuals. In seeking to define religion, it is essential to understand the various aspects of different religious denomination that apply to the whole aspect of religion. These can be identified as the governing elements of religion as they define the conduct of religious individuals. Religious individuals commonly act in accordance to the provisions of their religion and not the other cultural values and beliefs. Religion commonly replaces cultural courses of action by replacing it with a religious culture, though the elements of individual’s culture still are. The fundamental function of religion is ensuring individuals conduct their livelihood in a common manner. The practice of religion is a unifying element for many individuals irrespective of other differences. Many differences exist among various individual leading to grouping and categorisation of individuals. Religion is a common element, which presents individuals with a perception that enables them to become tolerant to other differences existing among them. The aspect of people becoming religious can be effectively determined by the level of practice for many of the requirements of religion. This involves the adherence to the doctrines outlined within the religious teachings and the requirements of the religion. Religion commonly is a guiding element for transforming individuals through enabling them to act constructively and eliminate social prejudices existing within the different cultures. Religion achieves this through encouraging individuals to change their attitudes, perceptions, ideologies and many other personal traits defined by the environment which individuals reside in. while the environment determines the fundamental traits exhibited by individuals, religion is the element which defines the outcomes of these traits as the people hold them. Religion commonly influences the action of individuals as it provides the definitions of actions expected from people. This effectively is essential in enabling individuals to make decisions regarding daily activities, in consideration of the doctrines contained within the religion. This makes religion become a dynamic aspect of life that is naturalistic. Aims of studying religion The study of religion is a significant aspect in individuals’ lives because of the various benefits that people can get from studying religion. Since religion is an element that affects individuals’ livelihoods, its study and understanding presents similar effects. Religion, just like other disciplines that have evolved over time is one of the complex disciplines with various aspects and dimensions. A critical analysis of these dimensions is essential in order to understand the determinants of religion. The fundamental dimensions of religion include myths, ethical teaching, doctrines, social teachings, social institutions, and other inner sentiments, which make it a complex discipline. Studying religion is an essential element that could be fundamental in assisting an individual to increase religious knowledge and understand the various aspects of religion. Since individuals commonly have different perceptions regarding learnt religious beliefs, the understanding of religion from studying could substantially transform these perceptions. Through the study of religion, individuals gain critical perception of religious doctrines for the various religions, which are different from their religion. Understanding the different doctrines contained within religious teachings commonly enables individuals to appreciate the religious doctrines of other religions, consequently becoming permissible to individuals holding different religious beliefs. Through the understanding of religion the various roles of religion within the society become clearly defined and understood. As a general element within the society, many people have different forms of religion and understand the concept differently. However, there is a significantly relative impact of religion upon the various segments of the society. Religious considerations within the political setting have been fundamental in the determination of the political systems. This is commonly seen during the development of the national constitutions of different countries, where some even require all citizens to belong to a specific religion. The various religious sentiments and inner experiences can only be effectively understood through the practice of religion. The study of religion however, presents an individual with an opportunity to critically analyse and comprehend elements of a religion, which he/she does not practice. General understanding of the religion is essential as it enhances the aspect of tolerance to different religions, despite one practicing a different religion. Through the knowledge gained in the study, individuals become equipped with a deeper understanding, which could be essential in transforming personal perceptions of different religions. The study is significantly essential within a multi-religious society in seeking to appreciate the various religions in existence within the social setting. The practice of religion commonly makes an individual develop an indifferent attitude to individuals practicing a different religion. The study of religion presents individuals with understanding of the various religious doctrines, which one cannot understand without practice. The attitude of ethnocentrism could be effectively eliminated within the society through the understanding of religious doctrines. These religious doctrines enable an individual to understand the religious behaviours, exhibited as a result of the sentiments contained within the religious doctrines. “Students of religion cannot be content advocating an uncritical religious and moral tolerance. Rather, they must seek to develop a critical tolerance that endorses freedom of religion but does not automatically approve of any and all religious beliefs and practices.” (p. 9) The ethnocentric attitude resulting from an individual’s religious teaching can be effectively overcome by studying religion, consequently enabling and individual to gain a different perception of religion. Through the study of religion, individuals change their perceptions and attitudes towards other religions because of the increased critical analysis of religious doctrines. The element of critical analysis of religion is essential in changing the personal beliefs and attitudes towards religious doctrines, which are different from the religion that one practices. An individual is enabled to make a critical comparison between their religion and the religions practiced by other individuals. This comparative perspective can be achieved through the study of religion and creation of a different perspective towards other religions. Approaches to religious study In seeking to understand the complex sentiments of religion, various approaches can be utilised enhance understanding of the religious doctrines. The approach taken in studying religion commonly depends on the aspects of religion, which an individual desires to understand. Religious studies can be undertaken through the application of the approaches described below. Anthropological approach The anthropological approach seeks to present information regarding the historical development of religion from a neutral perspective. The various religions that exist around the world all have historical information regarding their origin. The anthropological approach commonly identifies the various theories, which concern the origin of different religions, which exist in the different regions. Understanding the origin of religion can effectively enable an individual to make critical comparison of religions, in regard to their origin. The anthropological approach enables the understanding of evolutions, which has occurred upon the people practicing a certain religion in seeking to understand the fundamental causes of the elements practiced within the modern religion. Anthropological approach identifies animism as the earliest form of religion practiced by man. Other forms like fetishism, polytheism and the monotheism forms of religions are believed to have evolved from animism. Sociological approach The sociological approach of religious study provides explanations into the different stages through which religious has undergone transformation in terms of the practice. The sociological suspect of religion seeks to understand the evolution of thoughts regarding the fundamental sentimentalities of religion. This approach is effective in making comparative studies into different religions, which are recognised around the world. This approach consists of three stages The first stage is the theological stage. this is the stage in which religious thoughts are focused on supernatural beings. During this stage the religious doctrines are believed to be as a result of supernatural forces. The second stage is the Metaphysical stage. During this stage, much of the contents of the theological stage are evoked into the practice of various religious doctrines. The last stage of this approach is the positivistic stage. This is the stage in which individuals become critical of the religious doctrines and teachings. The practical elements of religion become objects of human scrutiny. Philosophical approach The philosophical approach to religious study can be effectively utilised in seeking to understand the constituents of religion from a philosophical perception. Religion has been identified as a branch of philosophy, which can be studied independently. The philosophical approach is commonly utilised in seeking to understand the components of religion from a different perspective, other than that of religious individuals. This approach attempts to analyse and describe the various components of religion, which define the nature of religion from a perspective of the general world. Religious doctrines is analysed through the view of individuals who are not religious. The different religious positions become critically evaluated and effectively criticised through philosophical understanding. The philosophical approach further analyses the language utilised in delivering religious teaching within different settings. This approach essentially seeks to portray religion as a component of philosophy through analysing the different aspects of religion from a neutral approach. Theological approach The theological approach seeks to define and identify the various historical elements regarding the development of religion. The mythological elements of religion become analysed through the theological approach to religious study. This involves understanding critical historical aspects which have resulted in the development of various sentiments contained within the religion. These historical elements include the individuals who have been a critical part of the development of religion during different times. Following the understanding of the mythology of religion, demytholisation is essential in making the religion practical. Practicality of a religion occurs through the capacity to make linkage between the mythological beliefs and the practical elements of religion. This approach seeks to the actions of human beings in regard to religion; hence the approach is considered a phenomenological approach. Conclusion Religion is an element that is difficult to define because of the numerous aspects involved within the subject. Understanding religion however, is essential in seeking to ensure individuals become tolerant of other who do not profess the same religion. Undertaking religious study is an essential element that could be fundamental in providing an individual with the required understanding. Different approaches utilised in studying religion include anthropological, sociological, philosophical and theological approaches. The approaches can effectively enable individuals to understand the various aspects of religion. Read More