Living Religions: Practices, Beliefs, and Modern Society

Living religions, practices and rituals are integral to adherents’ behaviours and are immersed in everyday human existence. The fundamental principles that define a living religion are compatible with a modern society that is dynamic, and can be seen in practice today. Each of the living religions explored in the articles share different beliefs and ethics, which contribute immensely to each individual, providing a sense of self identity and belonging, along with a moral code and answers to questions that are otherwise unexplainable.

Living religion supplies a moral code for adherents to base their everyday life and actions upon, whilst also providing stability. These moral codes differ between each religion, but ultimately dictate the way

The adherents collectively agree that there is a commonality between all of their religions, in the sense of the belonging they feel both within their religious community, and themselves. Meshel Laurie feels as though believing in the Buddhist ideals keep her grounded, as her mental health was so fragile before, she feels as though she was in the “right place at the right time for her soul.” Thus showing the impact in which a living religion can have on one’s life, providing a connection, sense of belonging and clarity within oneself. Majde and Shaini also believe that without their different religions they would be very confused and lost, as it is the one consistent thing in life they both rely upon to give them direction. As for Susan Carland, she feels as though “becoming Muslim felt like coming home, it felt like a natural fit for her as a person.” Not only does faith within a living religion assist in one’s understanding of life and sense of self, it can also bring a feeling of belonging to a particular society, as experienced by Nikki Kinstlinger, “I love the togetherness of the community… everyone feels as though every other Jew is their brother.” Each of the individuals interviewed expressed a common sensation experienced within their religion, being the understanding and sense of self, along with the

As explained by Susan Carland, “anyone who says there’s a contradiction between Islam and feminism doesn’t understand…” believing that women can be feminist whilst also maintaining an Islamic faith, and men can adhere to the Islamic views, simultaneously treating women correctly. Since her convert to Judaism, Nikki has found that she has much more empathy towards minority groups, along with Meshel who has found that “emotional discipline, selflessness and seeing yourself as a part of something bigger” is essential to our existence as she now can understand the inequality in our world is due to our cravings. Majde Fanous also believes in respect and the correct treatment of everyone, due to the teachings of the Koran. Shaini Sivagnam trusts in the idea of reincarnation as she sees that it helps to explain the mysteries of life, why some people are disabled and others are poor. These understandings of the inequality and imperfect nature of our world have ensured that adherents are aware of the reasoning behind the issues we face in our world, through the different scriptures and beliefs within each living