INTRODUCTION TO
World Religions
and Belief
Systems
Quarter 1 – Module 1:
Understanding the Nature of
Religion
AT THE END OF THE MODULE,
YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
K: Identify the concept, elements and
characteristicsof belief system, world view,
religion, and spirituality;
S: Differentiate the concept, elements and
characteristics
of belief system, world view, religion, and
spirituality; and
A: Appreciate each differences of different
belief systems.
WHY STUDY
RELIGION?
• Religion has existed since the earliest
times of humankind.
• It addresses questions about the
meaning of life and death.
• Provides insight into various belief
systems and spiritual needs.
KEY TERMS
• Belief System: A set of principles or tenets which
together form the basis of a religion, philosophy,
or moral code.
• Worldview: A particular philosophy of life or
conception of the world.
• Religion: An organized system of beliefs,
ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a
group of gods.
• Spirituality: Relating to or affecting the human
spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical
things.
THE NATURE
OF RELIGION
• Religion involves practices,
rituals, and a community of
believers.
• It provides a way for humans
to connect with the divine or
the transcendent.
Name of Theory Proponent Explanation
Animistic
Theories
Edward Burnett
Tylor (1832-1917),
English
anthropologist
Primitive people believed in souls or anima found in people (seen in dreams) and in all
of nature. Since spirits could be helpful or harmful to human beings, early people had
to pray to these spirits, offer sacrifices, and appease or avoid them.
Robert Henry
Codrington
(1830-1922),
Anglican priest
and
anthropologist
In his investigation, he found out that the Melanesian people believed in mana, a
mysterious force that inhabited all of nature. All early people began their religion in
cognizance of such force; the destructiveness of the mana can be avoided by
establishing taboos.
Nature-Wor
ship Theory
Human beings first developed their religions from their observations of the forces of
nature. Early people became aware of the regularity of the seasons, the tides and the
phases of the moon, and began personalizing them by giving them names, describing
their activities with tales that transformed into mythology. Primitive people identified the
forces in nature, personified them, created myths, and developed religions around them.
DIFFERENT THEORIES ON ORIGIN OF RELIGION
Name of Theory Proponent Explanation
Wish Fulfilment
Theory
Ludwig Andreas von
Feuerbach
(1804-1872),
German
philosopher and
anthropologist
There were no gods and that belief in gods was simply wish fulfilment. Troubled people who could
not cope with the difficulties in life projected their wishes and developed gods and religions.
Karl Heinrich Marx
(1818-1883),
German
philosopher and
sociologist
Religions were developed by the few as a means to control the masses and suppress
revolution as a result of the continuing struggle between classes. Rulers and allied priests
wished to control all wealth, so they created a scheme of gods, heavens, and hell. The masses
were persuaded to accept poverty and be obedient to inherit bliss in another life.
Sigmund Freud
(1856-1939),
Austrian neurologist
and founder father
of psychoanalysis
Religion originated from the guilt that individuals supposedly feel in hating their fathers. All males
possess a similar tendency to desire their mothers and hate their fathers. As a result of this
subconscious hatred and ensuing guilt, a great father image was projected in the sky called God. A
healthy mature person can face problems without the need for gods or religions.
DIFFERENT THEORIES ON ORIGIN OF RELIGION
TYPES OF BELIEF
SYSTEMS
• Monism: No real distinction between god and the
universe.
• Polytheism: Belief in many gods.
• Monotheism: Belief in one supreme god.
• Atheism: Disbelief in the existence of a god or
gods.
• Agnosticism: The belief that God's existence is
unknown and unknowable.
MAJOR
WORLD
RELIGIONS
SIX MAJOR world
RELIGIONS
1. Judaism: Originated in the Middle East.
2. Christianity: Emerged from Judaism, centered on the
life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
3. Islam: Founded on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
4. Hinduism: A major religion in South Asia with various
practices and beliefs.
5. Buddhism: Founded by Siddhartha Gautama in India.
6. Confucianism, Daoism, Shintoism: Eastern religions with
distinct beliefs and practices.
SPIRITUALITY
VS. RELIGION
• Spirituality: Personal,
individual experiences and
practices.
• Religion: Organized and
communal practices and
beliefs.
UNDERSTANDING
BELIEFS AND
WORLDVIEWS
• Beliefs and worldviews are
shaped by social environment
and upbringing.
• They influence how individuals
perceive and interact with the
world.
CONCLUSION
• Studying religion helps us
understand diverse
perspectives and practices.
• It enriches our understanding
of human culture and history.
QUESTIONS AND
DISCUSSION
1. How did religion originate? Cite key
theories to support your answer.
2. Do you agree that the universe is designed
and created by a single divine being or
God? Explain your answer.
3. How can an individual lead a spiritual life?
Cite some examples.
ASSIGNMENT
• Write a two-page essay on your activity
notebook on the topic "Religion:
• What does it Mean to Me?" guided by the
following questions:
a. Write different values have your religion
instilled in you?
b. What various guiding principles which may have
been influenced by your
religion do you adhere to in your life?
Intro to World Religion Q1-WK1.pncxdgfptx.pdf

Intro to World Religion Q1-WK1.pncxdgfptx.pdf

  • 1.
    INTRODUCTION TO World Religions andBelief Systems Quarter 1 – Module 1: Understanding the Nature of Religion
  • 2.
    AT THE ENDOF THE MODULE, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO: K: Identify the concept, elements and characteristicsof belief system, world view, religion, and spirituality; S: Differentiate the concept, elements and characteristics of belief system, world view, religion, and spirituality; and A: Appreciate each differences of different belief systems.
  • 3.
    WHY STUDY RELIGION? • Religionhas existed since the earliest times of humankind. • It addresses questions about the meaning of life and death. • Provides insight into various belief systems and spiritual needs.
  • 4.
    KEY TERMS • BeliefSystem: A set of principles or tenets which together form the basis of a religion, philosophy, or moral code. • Worldview: A particular philosophy of life or conception of the world. • Religion: An organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods. • Spirituality: Relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.
  • 5.
    THE NATURE OF RELIGION •Religion involves practices, rituals, and a community of believers. • It provides a way for humans to connect with the divine or the transcendent.
  • 6.
    Name of TheoryProponent Explanation Animistic Theories Edward Burnett Tylor (1832-1917), English anthropologist Primitive people believed in souls or anima found in people (seen in dreams) and in all of nature. Since spirits could be helpful or harmful to human beings, early people had to pray to these spirits, offer sacrifices, and appease or avoid them. Robert Henry Codrington (1830-1922), Anglican priest and anthropologist In his investigation, he found out that the Melanesian people believed in mana, a mysterious force that inhabited all of nature. All early people began their religion in cognizance of such force; the destructiveness of the mana can be avoided by establishing taboos. Nature-Wor ship Theory Human beings first developed their religions from their observations of the forces of nature. Early people became aware of the regularity of the seasons, the tides and the phases of the moon, and began personalizing them by giving them names, describing their activities with tales that transformed into mythology. Primitive people identified the forces in nature, personified them, created myths, and developed religions around them. DIFFERENT THEORIES ON ORIGIN OF RELIGION
  • 7.
    Name of TheoryProponent Explanation Wish Fulfilment Theory Ludwig Andreas von Feuerbach (1804-1872), German philosopher and anthropologist There were no gods and that belief in gods was simply wish fulfilment. Troubled people who could not cope with the difficulties in life projected their wishes and developed gods and religions. Karl Heinrich Marx (1818-1883), German philosopher and sociologist Religions were developed by the few as a means to control the masses and suppress revolution as a result of the continuing struggle between classes. Rulers and allied priests wished to control all wealth, so they created a scheme of gods, heavens, and hell. The masses were persuaded to accept poverty and be obedient to inherit bliss in another life. Sigmund Freud (1856-1939), Austrian neurologist and founder father of psychoanalysis Religion originated from the guilt that individuals supposedly feel in hating their fathers. All males possess a similar tendency to desire their mothers and hate their fathers. As a result of this subconscious hatred and ensuing guilt, a great father image was projected in the sky called God. A healthy mature person can face problems without the need for gods or religions. DIFFERENT THEORIES ON ORIGIN OF RELIGION
  • 8.
    TYPES OF BELIEF SYSTEMS •Monism: No real distinction between god and the universe. • Polytheism: Belief in many gods. • Monotheism: Belief in one supreme god. • Atheism: Disbelief in the existence of a god or gods. • Agnosticism: The belief that God's existence is unknown and unknowable.
  • 9.
  • 10.
    SIX MAJOR world RELIGIONS 1.Judaism: Originated in the Middle East. 2. Christianity: Emerged from Judaism, centered on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. 3. Islam: Founded on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. 4. Hinduism: A major religion in South Asia with various practices and beliefs. 5. Buddhism: Founded by Siddhartha Gautama in India. 6. Confucianism, Daoism, Shintoism: Eastern religions with distinct beliefs and practices.
  • 11.
    SPIRITUALITY VS. RELIGION • Spirituality:Personal, individual experiences and practices. • Religion: Organized and communal practices and beliefs.
  • 12.
    UNDERSTANDING BELIEFS AND WORLDVIEWS • Beliefsand worldviews are shaped by social environment and upbringing. • They influence how individuals perceive and interact with the world.
  • 13.
    CONCLUSION • Studying religionhelps us understand diverse perspectives and practices. • It enriches our understanding of human culture and history.
  • 14.
    QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION 1. Howdid religion originate? Cite key theories to support your answer. 2. Do you agree that the universe is designed and created by a single divine being or God? Explain your answer. 3. How can an individual lead a spiritual life? Cite some examples.
  • 15.
    ASSIGNMENT • Write atwo-page essay on your activity notebook on the topic "Religion: • What does it Mean to Me?" guided by the following questions: a. Write different values have your religion instilled in you? b. What various guiding principles which may have been influenced by your religion do you adhere to in your life?