REL212: World Religions
Week 1 Discussion
Part 1: What is religion? Do Indigenous peoples practice religion?
Please respond to the following:
Think about what you think religion is. Next, ask five (5) people what their definition of religion is. Then look up a definition of religion from outside of the book (cite your source). Now, read the definition of religion in the textbook.
Main discussion questions for the week:
· What are at least three (3) problems with defining religion? Explain why they are problematic.
· Of the three (3) approaches to religion—Materialist, Functional, or Faith—which helps to better explain the problems you have encountered in your research?
· Cite the source(s) you used to answer these questions.
Part 1-1: Hi all, this is our Easy Question for the Week. It is designed to get us talking while we do our reading for the main discussion question. This does not take the place of the main discussion question. But, it will count as one of your two required posts!
Answer this Question: So, in your opinion, over the centuries, has religion been good for people, civilizations, or bad? Explain. (As always, be respectful and polite should disagreements rise!)
Part 2: Respond to a Peer
Read a post by one of your peers (below) and respond, making sure to extend the conversation by asking questions, offering rich ideas, or sharing personal connections.
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Jamie Evans
RE: Week 1 Discussion
When I think of Religion, I think of what you believe or have faith in. Others define it as faith, belief, spirituality and values. The Webster dictionary defines it as:
1a : the state of a religious a nun in her 20th year of religion
b(1) : the service and worship of God or the supernatural
(2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
2 : a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
3 archaic : scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness
4 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/religion
The textbook defines religion as: A particular response to dimensions of life considered sacred, as shaped by institutionalized traditions.
Three problems with defining religion is that people interpret or perceive the concept of religion differently, can be easily be confused or mistaken and a person’s culture influences their religion. When you ask people what they think Religion means they provide different answers which is why Religion can never truly be defined. One person says it is what they believe in while the next one says it’s their spiritual belief. Another reason why defining religion is problematic is because someone can easily be confused thinking that their belief in something is their religion. If I believe something is real, then that is my belief but may not necessarily mean that is my religion. Lastly, a person’s culture can also confuse a person because of the way they live they think that may be their Religion but it’s truly just a part of their culture or heritage tradition. I believe Faith our faith in something can be misinterpreted can be confused as religion. Webster dictionary defines faith as:
a : allegiance to duty or a person : loyalty lost faith in the company’s president
b(1) : fidelity to one’s promises
(2) : sincerity of intentions acted in good faith
2a(1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God
(2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion
b(1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof clinging to the faith that her missing son would one day return
(2) : complete trust
3 : something that is believed especially with strong conviction especially : a system of religious beliefs the Protestant faith
on faith
: without question took everything he said on faith
When we have faith in something, we devote ourselves to that which in some cases can be our religious belief but does not necessarily have to be religion. I think people use the meaning faith without truly understanding the definition.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/faith
Thanks
Jamie Evans
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