Introduction To Religion Essay

Introduction on Religion

Religion is an important aspect on studies of early mental health practice. Religion is important to as many as 75% of the population, more profound and relevant with people over 65 years of age and older (Richards and Bergin, 1997). Religion plays a pivotal role on older adults, it becomes part of their identity and personality (Koenig, Siegler & George, 1989). According to Koenig (1989), religion incorporates people’s rituals, beliefs, and practices pertaining to the “transcendent.” Which means, these beliefs relates to the supernatural and mystical elements of the world (Koenig, Siegler & George, 1989). Religion is always practiced within a community, group, or cult. Religion is often organized and it incorporates beliefs, rules and regulations on the afterlife. Religion is unique in a sense that binds people in a community, who share the same beliefs and sentiments in solidarity. Religion could be measured relating the mental, physical, and emotional outcomes with humans who are believers of the supernatural world.

Introduction on Spirituality

Spirituality is considered more independent and open freely to the public. Unlike religion, not organized. It doesn’t follow the Bible for rules, regulations, such as the Ten Commandments. Everyone has their own unique and special interpretation of what spirituality means to them. Considered vague by many researchers because the meaning of spirituality is constantly changing. Spirituality is very diverse because it doesn’t only pertain to a belief in one God, it could relate to having an appreciation for nature, such as trees as a spiritual journey. Many people believe in different aspects of the afterlife. In some cultures, sun, rain, horses and pigs are...

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...ptimism in our lives. Religion and spirituality provides that. Religion provides clarity, understanding, and restriction of bad substances that can potentially harm people or shorten someone’s life expectancy. I find prayers fascinating, very common with the anointing of the sick (Catholicism). My mother was involved with the church services for anointing of the sick, the older women who was battling cancer life expectancy according to the doctor was 6 months. She outlived the doctor’s prediction and lived 2 more years. I believe that was due to the power of prayers, having a healthy mind, conscious, and she wasn’t afraid of death. She lived her life filled with optimism, love, joy, and had a massive support system. So many skeptics, are afraid to have faith in something or live vicariously through a foundation without visibly and physically seeing a higher entity.