Religion, Globalization and Cultural Diversity - Research Paper Example

Topic: Religion Introduction Religion is a set of beliefs that focus on the relationship between the supernatural and natural concepts of reality. Religion is used to instill moral and cultural values in individuals thus influencing cultural practices in various societies. It is also used to create personal identity. Many people use religion as a reference in the study of human origin and the different cultures that create a distinction between people living in various parts of the world. Religion acts like a society that provides human identity (Brodd, 2009). Religion also play an important role in decision making as it is provides a moral baseline of reasoning. Comparative perspective There are major forms of religion in the world today. These forms of religion differ in practices and beliefs. However, the concept of religion still remains the same in all the 18 branches that make the world religion. The concept of religion explains the relationship between natural and supernatural concepts of reality in which various religions have their unique way of explaining nature and the existence as well as the role of humanity. Religion is associated with the study and understanding of human practices in relation to the natural and spirit world. Religions can be compared on the basis of what they stand for, belief and practices. For instance, Buddhism is a form of religion that practices its ways of living in relation to the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. Christianity is known to be the world’s biggest religious society and pillars its practices and ways of living on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Judaism is a form of religion formed by the Jewish people and bases its practices and beliefs on the covenant made between the God and the Jewish people. Islam is also among the top religious groups in the world and it bases its beliefs and practices on life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad. Traditional African religion has its own practices which are unique but with a common concept compared to all other forms of religions in the world (Matthews, 2012). It relies on hereditary values to build its moral understanding and practices. In this case, it bases its beliefs and practices on the communities’ ancestors whom are believed to exist in the spirit world. World religion and its variations Religious forms have a common concept which is based on the belief of sacred aspects that are used to create moral value. Christianity differ from the Islamic religion in the notion that one religion believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ who is acts as the pillar its foundation while the other focuses on the life of Prophet Muhammad who is acts as the mediator between God and human beings. Judaism is different from Buddhism as the Jewish believe in a single God whom they refer to as the creator (Brodd, 2009). They also believe in a personal relationship with God. On the other hand Buddhism is a form of religion characterized with the belief of an open minded view that guides its believers to live a morally upright life. It does not confine its moral perception to a supreme being but uses the discernment of nature and punishment. The mindful allowance of free flow of thoughts of Buddhism believers catalyze new inventions and install a belief in them that helps in trust that there is always a new and better way of doing and creating and doing things. Basic features of religion There are eight basic elements that make religion. First is the belief in the existence of a supreme being. Various religions have their own belief in the existence of a supreme being. For instance, Christian and Muslims believe in God whom they view as the creator of the universe. The second element is the belief of sacredness. Buddhism believes in the holiness of nature as their concept of Karma perpetuates punishment as the resultant effect of nature distortion. Thirdly, every religion has a system of rituals (Ferré, 2013). This is used to strengthen the beliefs of people in a religious circle. The forth element is the sinful acts. All religions have rules in which they use to create a moral baseline. All religions also have a mode of salvation in which they use bind their followers. This presents the aspect of the mode of worship as all religions have their own unique way of worship. Liturgy and ideology are used in the practice of public relation rites and rituals. Finally, all religions have a place of worship (Ferré, 2013). Aspects of religion changes in contemporary time The late 19th and 20th century witnessed variety of changes in religion; from the conventional practices to the contemporary ones. In the American society, social thinkers argue that these changes have been brought about with the advent of other salient means of religiosity. This include the strong believe and following to supernatural forces, emergent denominations and the development of new religious practices. However, despite all these religiosity traits practices all over, there are certain underlying aspects that have transformed religion with the events of the contemporary time. The contemporary times have been faced pluralism in its context of its role to humanity. In comparison to the previous centuries, the 21st is bombarded by secularization and de-secularization as part of socio-cultural change. Pre-modern times have religion as the cornerstone of every aspect of the social set up of the society. With the changing trends of religion, people are embracing the ideologies of personal freedom. Religion has embedded changes in an individual’s social and cultural life. These changes have alternatively affected the mainstream role of religion with the differentiation of various social institutions through which an individual’s socio-cultural life is marginalized. With the dissemination of secularization and de-secularization changes in religion, certain dimensions in modernity have been achieved. They include: i) Disintegration of religion and political power ii) Non-reference of political affairs to religion iii) Knowledge systems independence from religious intervention iv) Relativity of religious values to secular ones v) Freedom to belong to any religious affiliation Religion in globalization and localization Globalization of religions came into being as a result of advancement in communication. The advancement of technology has stirred the spread of various religions all around the world. As a result, religion has led to the interchange of world views, cultural practices, products and ideas. Religion has led to cultural diversity around the world as many parts of the globe have adapted to a variety of religious practices (Beyer & Beaman, 2007). This has led to the variation of product sell and product manufacturing as the spread of religion has expanded the world market. Religion has influenced the politics of various nations in the world. Many nations have been forced to incorporate religious freedom in their constitutions as a result of religious diversity in the world. The United States for instance is a multi religious country which roots its foundation in the principle of freedom of religion and conscience (Rhoda & Hassmann, 2010). In this case, the first amendment of the constitution ensures that there is freedom of religion and its practices. Religion has led to the suppression of localization practices as the religious freedom provides people with the rights to practice various cultures which are related to their religion. For instance, in the 1960s, it was against the laws of India to sell beef products or commercialize beef products. This is because of the religious assumption of the Hindus that cows are sacred animals and should not be slaughtered for food purposes. This also explains the practice of vegetarianism in the Hindu culture. Conclusion Religion has proved to be a binding factor in human life. It also plays a key role in social and economic aspects in the world. Religion promotes cultural diversity as well as influences globalization. Due to these factors, religion has played a massive role in the building of the modern society. References Beyer P & Beaman L, G. (2007). Religion, Globalization and Culture: Boston. BRILL Brodd J. (2009). Primary Source Readings in World Religions: Pennsylvania. Saint Marys Press Ferré F. (2013). Basic Modern Philosophy of Religion: New York. Routledge Matthews W. (2012). World Religions: New York. Cengage Learning Rhoda E & Hassmann H. (2010). Can Globalization Promote Human Rights? Pennsylvania. Penn State Press Read More