Religion, What Is It?

LEARNING GOALS 1. Understand what the word “RELIGION” means 2. Understand the universality of religion 3. Know the role religion plays in our personal lives and the major questions its answers

The Meaning of the Word “Religion” Ligion is related to the Latin word legare, which means “to bind” or “to connect”. The English word ligament comes from the same root.

The Meaning of the Word “Religion” Re - ligion then, refers somehow to the process of re-binding or re-connecting. An assumption is that unconnecting must have happened, and that as a consequence, re-connecting is necessary.

Universality of Religion The universality of religion suggests that the need to repair some kind of basic brokenness is present among all peoples, a striving for a sense of wholeness or completeness.

What Questions Does Religion Answer? Who am I? How do I fit In? Why am I here? Is there an afterlife? How did we come to be? What is right and wrong? What do I believe in? Do our lives have meaning? Is there a God? How do I relate to others?

Why Study Religion? To examine the big questions of life To understand that religion is at the core of human experience To know what your personal religious beliefs are To recognize the value of religion to a full life To understand the relationship between faith and culture

Why Study Religion? To identify the values that contribute to the moral decisions that we make To develop a more spiritual perspective on life To understand the meaning and value of human freedom

The Common Features of Religion A belief in the supernatural and the spiritual world beyond our physical material world. (God)   A belief in the existence of a soul. (Afterlife) A collection of sacred writings or scriptures (Sacred Scriptures) Organized institutions. (Institutions) A strong sense of family and community based on rituals and festivals that represent and celebrate shared beliefs and practices. (Rituals/Festivals) A set of answers about the most pressing human questions.(for example: the meaning of suffering).

The Common Features of Religion A belief in the supernatural and the spiritual world beyond our physical material world. (God) A belief in the existence of a soul. (Afterlife) A collection of sacred writings or scriptures (Sacred Scriptures) Organized institutions. (Institutions) A strong sense of family and community based on rituals and festivals that represent and celebrate shared beliefs and practices. (Rituals/Festivals)

The Common Features of Religion A set of answers about the most pressing human questions.(for example: the meaning of suffering). Rules of conduct designed to help followers lead an honorable life and to provide order and purpose to individuals and community life. (Ethics)   A system of ethics that offers a guide to moral behavior. (Ethics) Significant founders or inspired leaders who introduced or spurred the development of the faith. (Religious personalities)

The Common Features of Religion A search for perfection or salvation. (Afterlife)   A life of faith and worship. (Ritual) Techniques for focusing or concentrating one’s awareness. (Ritual) An enriching impact on the lives of its adherents. Kids Talk About Religion