HUM02-INTRODUCTION OF WORLD RELIGIONS AND BELIEF SYSTEM

UNDERSTANDING BELIEF, RELIGION, AND RELATED TERMS

Belief refers to a conviction concerning particular ideas. Belief shapes our ideas regarding our
reality, and is influenced by our perception, experiences, and ideas. For instance, we believe
that certain objects such as tables, chairs and tress are real because we perceive them through
our senses. Belief also generally requires proof or an assurance of a certain degree of
truthfulness. Scientific studies are believable because they are rigorous research process to
acquire data and evidence to support their claims.

Faith is generally defined as belief that is not based on proof. It also connotes confidence or
trust in a person or thing. In religion, faith refers to the observance of religious obligations, an
attitude of reverence toward entities and ideas that are considered important in that religion, and
an unwavering trust in the major beliefs of that particular religion.

Belief systems are the stories we tell ourselves or ideas we hold that define our personal
sense of reality. Every human being has a belief system that he or she utilizes, and it is through
this mechanism that he or she makes sense of the world. Individuals perceive reality through the
recognition of a system of signs. These signs are objects or symbols that have meaning to a
person because they are considered significant by society.

A worldview is similar to a belief system. While belief systems attempt to explain larger issues
of philosophy, fundamental beliefs, and ways of doing things, a worldview tries to explain and
interpret reality, history, and civilization. Major worldviews that influence religious belief include
monism, polytheism, monotheism, and atheism.

Monism is a philosophical worldview in which all of reality can be reduced into one “thing” or
“essence.” This view believes that “all is one,” that there are no fundamental divisions, and that
a unified set of laws underlines all of nature.

Monism is used in a variety of contexts, particularly in philosophical discussion on epistemology,

ethics metaphysics and the philosophy of mind. The underlying concept of the monistic
worldview is always that of “oneness.” In dealing with human nature and other aspects of reality,
monists deny any distinction between body and soul, matter and spirit, object and subject,
matter and force. They believe that all aspects of reality are merged into a higher unity.

Polytheism refers to the belief in and adoration of several deities. Typically, each deity or god is
distinguished by a certain function, and often has human characteristics. This is true for the
ancient Greeks and Romans, whose gods and goddesses were both human in appearance and
behavior. Polytheism in Egypt, however, has gods taking on characteristics of objects found in
nature such as trees, plants, cattle, and animals. The ancient Egyptian gods are often depicted
as human-animal hybrids, alluding to their various characteristics. Hinduism is another major
polytheistic religion.

Monotheism is the faith in a single, all-powerful god. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are the
major monotheistic religions.
Atheism is the disbelief in gods or the supernatural. Atheist activist Madalyn Murray O’Hair
(1963) defines atheism as the view that accepts reason and aims establish a lifestyle and ethical
outlook verifiable by experience and scientific method. Atheism has varied subgroups and many
atheists do not share the same worldview or beliefs. Atheists do not have a common belief
system, sacred scripture, or recognized authority. The only tie that binds the atheists is their
disbelief in gods and supernatural beings.

Theology refers to the study of religious faith, and experience; especially, the study of God and
of God’s relation to the world. Theological studies are done in a rational, philosophical manner
and have given rise to specific schools of thought such as progressive theology, liberation
theology, feminist theology, Black theology, African theology, and the like.

RELIGION

Religion is defined as the relationship between humans and that which they regard as holy,
sacred, absolute, spiritual, divine, or worthy of special reverence. It is also commonly regarded
as consisting of the way people deal with ultimate concerns about their lives and their fate after
death. Religion is also seen as a set of beliefs and practices that relates to metaphysical and
transcendental issues. Religious beliefs are primarily formed within the context of a particular
religion and provide a framework of connectedness to the divine.

Organization. A religion is an organized set of beliefs, rituals, and emotions. Every religion has
its own structure and function, and every individual member is expected to perform a certain
role.

Emotions and Values. Religion evokes emotions such as hope, fear, reverence, and humility.
These emotions are traced to the divine and the individual’s relationship with it. Religious belief
also influences values, as religions may ascribe certain meanings to particular action, behavior,
and objects. These, in turn, define ethical behavior among the faithful.

Rituals and Ceremonies. Both words are clearly closely connected. However, rite is used more
as a headline term that refers to a particular ceremony, the detailed enactment of which
constitutes a ritual. Both terms are used extensively in a metaphorical or figurative sense.

Sacred Objects and Spaces. Sacred objects and spaces are considered representations of the
divine, and are concrete indications of the relationship between the faithful and the divine.
Sacred objects include idols, icons, and images that represent divine beings; or relics, artifacts,
and remains which are associated with divine beings. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity are
among the religions that recognize sacred objects. Islam, however, prohibits the use of imagery,
particularly in representing God and His Prophet Muhammad. Scriptures or texts are also
considered sacred objects as these contain the most important tenets that the faithful have to
live by. Many religions have written scriptures through others pass on their sacred texts by word
of mouth.
RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy is the science or discipline which uses human reason to investigate the ultimate
causes, reasons, and principles that govern all things. Philosophy is related to religion since it
explores the experiences of humans as they relate to God. Religious beliefs often include
philosophical insights regarding the world and everything in it, the meaning of life, and man’s
ultimate purpose. Philosophy, in turn, looks into religious beliefs in order to gain an
understanding of how man’s concept of and relationship with the divine influence ideas and
actions.

Philosophy of religion refers to the study of the meaning of nature of religion. It focuses on the
analysis of religious concepts, beliefs, terms, arguments, and the practices of religious
adherents. Philosophy of religion draws knowledge and views from all major areas of
philosophy, as well as theology, history, sociology, psychology, and the natural sciences.

Spirituality and Religion

Spirituality refers to a broad set of principles that transcend all religions. Philosophers and
religious scholars define spiritually as an integrated view on life that often transcends religious
affiliation. It emphasizes the experience and expression of the sacred, the search for transcend
meaning, the attainment of harmony with the universe, and the achievement of a sense of
purpose and balance in the face of life’s challenges.

RECALL

• Religion and belief are significant influences on how we see the world and how we relate to
others. Belief is certainty about particular things or ideas and is related to the concept of
truth. Faith generally refers to belief that is not primarily based on proof, and connotes
confidence or trust in a person, thing, or idea.
• Belief systems are organized sets of beliefs and symbols that define one’s personal sense
of reality. A worldview is an explanation or interpretation of history and civilization. Major
worldviews that influence religious belief include monism, polytheism, monotheism, and
theism.
• Theology is the study of the nature of religious faith, practice, and experience. It is done in
a rational and philosophical manner and has given rise to various schools of thought
such as progressive theology, feminist theology, African theology, Black theology, and
liberation theology.
• Religion is the relationship between human beings and what they regard as holy, sacred,
absolute, spiritual, divine, or worthy of special reverence. It is a set of beliefs and
practices that relates to metaphysical and transcendental issues
• The five elements of religion are beliefs, organization, emotions and values, rituals and
ceremonies, and sacred objects and spaces.
• Philosophy is closely related to religion, as many philosophical issues related to the ,
ultimate causes, reasons, and principles that govern all things are touched upon by
 many religious beliefs. Religions offer insight to the world, the meaning of life, and man’s
life ultimate purpose. Philosophy looks into religious belief to gain an understanding of
how man’s relationship with the divine influence’s ideas and actions.
• Spirituality refers to a broad set of principles that transcend all religions. It has an
integrative view of life that focuses on the search for transcendent meaning, the
attainment of meaning, and the achievement of purpose and balance in life. Religion is
considered a manifestation of spirituality because many people attain the elements of
spirituality within its framework.

THE EMERGENCE OF CIVILIZATIONS

The Nile River in Egypt, the Indus valley in India, and the Yellow River basin in China are
the sites where early civilizations established towns, erected massive structures, developed
stratifies societies, and created systems of writing. These developments occurred during the
Bronze Age, a period characterized by the increased production and use of bronze tools and
weapons. The following are some of the civilizations that flourished during the Bronze Age.

Mesopotamia. The oldest Mesopotamian cities were founded around 3000 BCE by the
Sumerians. Around 2370 BCE the Sumerians city-states were dominated by the Akkadian,
Babylonian, and Assyrian Empires. The Sumerian culture was characterized by the existence of
cuneiform, a system of writing on clay tablets; the veneration of gods based on natural forces;
belief in semi-divine monarchs; and a systemized form of government.

Egypt. Irrigated by the Nile River and sheltered by deserts as well as the sea, Egyptian
civilization remained more protected and peaceful than that of Mesopotamia. At around 2700
BCE, Egypt emerged as a cohesive and thriving empire. Religion greatly influenced Egyptian
life. The Pharaohs governed the lives and wealth of the populace and were considered gods by
their subject. The history of Egypt is divided into three main periods: the Old Kingdom (2700-
2200 BCE), the Middle Kingdom (2052-1786 BCE), and the New Kingdom (1575-1087 BCE).

Indus Valley Civilization. At about 2300 BCE, approximately seventy Indus cities had
developed a sophisticated urban culture, the major cities being Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.
The Indus people flourished along the banks of the Indus River. They lived in a brick houses in
well-planned villages, and were successful agriculturists who grew and cultivated cotton, and
raised buffalo, goats, dogs, pigs, and sheep. The population was governed by a stable, well
organized government led by a ruling class who had much concern for cleanliness, order, and
stability. Archeological evidence reveals the Indus culture placed much emphasis on personal
hygiene and ritual cleanliness. Each house in an Indus Valley village had a bathing room with
drains. There were also several public bathing areas in every town. Artifacts such as seals and
figurines show that the Indus people revered certain sacred animals. The bull, for example, was
believed to be a symbol of virility and sexual power. Around 1800 BCE, Indus civilization began
to decline and this led to the emergence of Vedic culture which extended over the entire
subcontinent and set the foundations for the ensuing advancement of Hindu culture.
China. The Shang Dynasty (1766-1050 BCE) established the first recognized Bronze Age
civilization along the Yellow River basin in China. Their successors, the Zhou (1050-256 BCE),
reigned from city-states as combatant aristocrats who battled foreigners and each other. Around
the fourth century BCE, as people and trade progressed, leaders desired superior defense
forces to protect the states, so they taught civil servants to oversee the population. The outcome
was the establishment of alliances among various minor states to form a number of large
territorial units.

The Americas. The prominent societies in the Americas arose in areas that had robust
agriculture. In the region of Mesoamerica, ancient societies cultivated maize or corn. The Andes
valleys contributed a mixture of agriculture and the rich marine resources from the Pacific. In
1500 BCE, the Olmecs founded the first civilization in Mesoamerica. Around 2750 BCE, the first
colossal structural designs appeared in the Andes region.

The Distribution and Spread of Religions

The nature of a religion greatly affects the geographic distribution of its adherent around the
world. Park (2004) distinguishes between two types of religions based on geographic
distribution. Universal religions are those that are widely distributed, and whose goal is to
convert people. Believers are encouraged to share their beliefs with non-believers. Universal
religions engage in missionary activities and admit new members through symbolic acts of
commitment. Ethnic religions, on the other hand, are confined to particular countries or region.
For example, Hinduism is a prominent religion in India, Confucianism and Taoism is largely
confined to China, Shintoism is concentrated in Japan. The spread of ethnic religions is limited
and slow since these religions do not actively seek converts.

Religion, Culture, and Society

Culture, according to de Leon (2012), is a system of vital ideas that contain, energized and
direct virtually every aspect of social life and a person’s relationship with the world. Culture
touches everything from the humanities to the sciences, from the religion to technology. It is the
matrix from which values, attitudes, motivations, and skills emerge. UNESCO defines culture as
“the whole complex of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features that
characterized a society or social group. It includes not only the arts and letters, but also modes
of life, the fundamental rights of the human being, value systems, traditions and beliefs.

RECALL

• Since prehistoric times, there have been indications that the earliest human societies have
been practicing certain spiritual beliefs. A number of prehistoric sites such as grave sites
have yielded evidence of the belief in the afterlife, while other sites have given proof of
the conduct of prehistoric rituals.
• It is believed that organized religion emerged at around 10, 000 BCE, as early human
societies moved from a hunter-gathering lifestyle to a more sedentary community life.
The Neolithic Revolution resulted in the development of more complex societies, and
 religious beliefs became more complex and organized.
• Geography, culture, and society are factors that have significantly influenced the
development of religions, thus resulting in the development of a wide variety of religious
beliefs since ancient times.
• The earliest major religions emerged in regions such as the Nile River in Egypt, the Indus
Valley in India, and the Yellow River basin in China. Each of the ancient civilizations that
emerged in these regions has developed unique religions that were defined by their
respective geographic, cultural, and social influences.
• The distribution and spread of religions is defined by various factors. Universal religions
are those which are widely distributed and whose goal is to convert all people on earth.
Ethnic religions, meanwhile, are those that are confined to a specific geographic or
cultural region and whose spread is limited and slow.
• Religion, culture, and society are closely related. Religion defines aspects of culture and
society and distinguishes one group of people from another. Religion is also a source of
identity and defines nationhood. It also influences social relations, ethics, philosophy,
and government.