Phl 101 Comparative Religion Paper

PHL 101: Comparative Religion First Written Assignment

Rosaline Chungag

Wayne County Community College

Dr. Cynthia Miller

September 26, 2015.

Abstract

Religion has been around since the evolution of man. It expresses different myth unorganized and varies regions to regions, and it gives people something to believe in. As people became more religion has involved into becoming more organized and has both positive and negative effects around the world. For this assignment I was researching three questions. How the study of religion is different from the four main subjects-mathematics, science, history, and literature. How to best approach the study of religion when it differs from our personal views and beliefs. Methods I discovered

about approaching religion were as followed. Preparation and personal understanding and opening a discussion. The study of religion works hand in hand with numerous myths that have different functions generated in the past and present. That said organized religion has positive and negative aspects as will be elaborated in this paper.

Religion can be defined as an organized collection of beliefs concerning the cause, nature and purpose of the universe. On the other hand science is the concerted human effort to understand the history of the natural world and how the natural world works, with physical evidence as the basis of understanding. It is intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation as well as experiments.
According to Mary Pat Fisher in Living Religions there are four emerging differences between religion and science. The first is the conflict model about creation. Some scientists hold onto faith in scientific method and religionists hold onto faith in the creator God. Whose existence cannot be proved by the scientific method. The second difference between religion and science would be that, religion deals with separate realms and matters such as; morality, hope answers to philosophical questions and ideas about life after death. Science on the other hand deals quantifiable physical reality. Thirdly, scientists and religious believers find common ground in interpreting religious propositions as metaphor and bases for the moral use of scientific research. Lastly, integration exists between religion and science, therefore overlap each other.
Despite the numerous differences in the world about worship and science we are multidimensional. Even as biological entities we have several layers of existence like physical, intellectual, psychological, emotional and spiritual. Faith provides meaning and purpose for millions of believers, inspires people to turn to each other build communities. It gives us a sense of union with transcendent force and provides numerous health benefits.
A myth is a widely held, but false belief or idea; especially one concerning the early history of people, explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically supernatural beings or events. Myths are often sacred tales told by a particular group of people to explain the world and man’s existence in ancient and modern cultures. Examples of these cultures would be Indians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and others. Some have factual origins while others are completely fictional.
Mircea Eliade argued that “One of the foremost functions of a myth is to establish models of behavior and provide a religious experience. By reenacting myths, members of traditional societies detach themselves from the present and return to the mythical age. Bringing them closer to the divine”.
Joseph Campbell wrote “In the long view of the history of mankind there are four essential functions of mythology.

The first is…eliciting and supporting a sense of awe before the mystery of being. The second function of mythology is to render a cosmology, an image of universe that will support and be supported by this sense of awe before the mystery of the presence and the presence of a mystery. The third function of mythology is to support the current social order, to integrate the individual organically with his group. The fourth function of is to initiate the individual into the order of realities of his own psyche, guiding him towards his own spiritual enrichment and

realization”.
Also according to World Myths and Legends in Art (Minneapolis Institute of Arts) a myth is a universal need. Over time, a myth will become the accepted standard that is passed down to succeeding generations via story-telling and written media. It justifies existing systems and accounts for its customs and rites especially myths from the Greco-Roman and medieval period which also serves to illustrate moral principles. Myth is a positive force that dates back to antiquity. Myths serve to unite cultures rather than divided them. Throughout the world myths provide people with explanations, histories, role models, entertainment, and many other things that enable them to direct their own actions and understand their surroundings.

Jack Powell said “organized religion was created as a way to control masses and as such, the god of such organized religion is not a forgiving one.

Followers are thought to obey all rules of the religion for fear of the retribution. This a negative effect of fear in religion as people believe if they sin they will go to hell”.

Organized religion is known mainly as group worship actives. Particular conducted in public or church gathering, and/or involving hierarchy or leadership. Some arguments against organized religion are lack or personal thoughts and power, wasted time, becoming a hypocrite, and a fixed perspective. Such as where you are born contributes to your religion. Most organized religion is diverse, which cause problems between different groups of religion. Creating an us vs. them mentality. Arguing that My God is better than your God, we are chosen by God, or we are going to heaven and you guys are going to hell. This division creates conflict, fighting, and confrontation. The division between the different religion groups breeds distance, suspicion, and

distrust.
On April 2nd 2010 Author Micatala published an article stating that organized religion typically promotes following a particular dogma/ rituals. How churches encourage conformity. While discouraging individuality and growth of knowledge that might differ from church tales and/or doctrines. Focusing on a supposed promised afterlife instead of the present, can cause people to look for spiritual answers/solutions rather than relying on practical dogma. As Albert Einstein once said “If people are good enough to only because they fear punishment, and hope for a reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed”.
Voltaire once said that “Only a sheep needs a shepherd”. Religion is one of the main reasons why people are afraid to live life. To blindly flow a faith is too suppress yourself and live in misery. Religion is based on the idea of sin; the starting point of faith is fear. Many people suffer from the choice of religion because faith frees them from personal responsibility.
Religion makes some group of people to operate in fear. Fear of hell, fear of excommunication, fear of disappointing your parents, fear of abandoning the community, fear of being different. When you practice organized religion instead of conscious decision making, you live under bondage and constant fear. Discrepancies religion enhances local communities in which human relationships can flourish. Religious communities make massive contributions through deeds of charity and social action, and religion can give people a sense of community and make people feel welcome.

References
Mircea Eliade and Joseph Campbell: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mythology
World Myths and Legends in Art (Minneapolis Institute of Arts): http://archive.artsmia.org/world-myths/MythCurriculum.pdf
Micatala:
http://debatingchristianity.com/forum/pda/thread.php?topic_id=13206&&start=10
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http://www.wikihow.com/Discuss-the-Negative-Aspects-of-Religion