Defining Religion

Abstract

The worlds have various beliefs and practices that are considered important to them when it comes to religious standpoints. While there are many people that only believe in one God this makes them monotheistic and there are others that in more than one God and this makes them polytheistic. With the history of religion this concept refers to the record of human ideas as well as experiences which vary across the world with various religions. Many religious beliefs have been taught for generations and passed on evolving with time. This definition of religion covers all the aspects generally discussed when religion is evaluated. My paper will discuss the definition of what religion means, the experiences across the world and

the common places; Also my paper will identify the beliefs of religions and the critical issues with the academic studies.

• What is the definition of religion?
Defining Religion for so many years there were so many attempts to understand and define religion and attempts have been continuously made, however as the world continues to change so does the meaning because it could very well be possible that “a definition may apply to religions of the past, but may not be suitable for a religion of the future” (Molloy, 2013 p.6).

Traditional dictionary definitions of religion reference “worships of a God or gods, prayer, ritual, and a moral code” (Molloy, 2013 p.6); however that definition does not cover all religions and that is why “a list of series of characteristics” is a more practical way to give meaning to religion. There are characteristics that give a meaning to religion these characteristics are community, characteristics community, central myths, emotional and material expressions. Because there are so many definitions to religion this definition does not cover every religion and this is the reason there seems to be a list of so many characteristics this way makes it practical and gives you more of a meaning to religion. When It comes to the characteristics of religion and people beliefs, you have the community, ethics, there are characteristics of emotional expressions, sacredness, central myths, and

rituals.
• What are common practices and experiences across various world religions? Include indigenous religions in your discussion.
Common practices and experiences across various world Religions search for a meaning to life searching for a meaning to life that would be deeper by providing guidance to those individuals and help those that wanted to find their way also these common practices and experiences across world religions are shared such as “reincarnation, Gods in human form, sacred texts, spirit world, body mutilation and the afterlife” (Religion Gateway, 2013). Philosophers as well as scholars have tried to locate an answer for what religion really means for centuries. As read about religion we see that religion is linked up with God what is considered to be considered interchangeable senses and synonymous are Faith and religion, in this era there have been philosophers that have raised several questions in regards to the relevance of religion.
For many of us around the world religion will always remain important and inseparable from our lives there have been scholars to also try and find answers when it is related to deaths, souls, and the afterlife and how it relates to the context of religion.

Since the beginning of time we find this to be everywhere when God was trying to understand men fearing the natural forces. Also in the dawn of civilization religion has played a major role in. Sacred text can also prompt experience because it is believed that through those text and scriptures allow individuals to come into contact with deities while performing rituals and ceremonies. Religious rituals which are “symbolic reenactments of religion’s key stories” (Molloy, 2013 p.7) are also very common in all religions including Indigenous

religion.

• What are some critical issues to the academic study of religion?

Studies show there are several critical issues that relate when it comes to studying religion. It would truly surprise me if those that were religious would be more moral. Speaking of critical issues when we think about motivation this can be critical simply because with an individual knowledge it enhances the literature and world history as it tries to give a better understanding of full faith. Also another issue was accepting belief that the creator is God. Because there was no proof this beliefs were rejected. And then there were issues with the world becoming more divers and this was due to travel and trade with other cultures and religions that were not know are now known. For some religion prove to be more interesting.