Religion

Fundamental Features of Religion
I. COSMOLOGICAL
The scientific study of the structure, composition, and development of the

physical cosmos is known as cosmology. Religious cosmologies offer "big
picture" explanations for the origins of human life as well as an understanding of
the forces and powers that shape the universe. Belief in the supernatural, a world
beyond of direct human experience, is a second aspect of religion. Religious
cosmologies provide explanations for the universe's creation as well as the laws or
"order" that control reality. A cosmology may be defined as an origin narrative in
its most basic form. It provides an explanation for the world's past, present, and
potential futures as well as the ancestry of the humans, spirits, divinities, and other
entities that inhabit it.
II. SOTERIOLOGICAL
The area of theology known as soteriology is devoted to the study of

salvation. The phrase is connected to various other disciplines of theology in that
it questions who is saved, by whom, from what, and by what means. It originates
from the Greek soterion, "salvation," and is also related to soter, "savior."
According to academics, soteriology refers to a central principle found in many
different faiths and is frequently examined in the framework of comparative
studies, which compares distinct understandings of what salvation is and how it
could possibly be attained. Whether it be in this world, the next, or maybe both,
most religions are equally concerned with achieving a state of blessedness,
release, or satisfaction that surpasses evil. One of the basic tenets of post-archaic
religion is salvation.
III. ANTHROPOLOGICAL
The study of anthropology focuses on the emergence and evolution of

human civilizations and cultures. A person's acquired behavior encompasses their
language, social structures, institutions, material possessions, and, most
importantly, their belief systems. This is known as their culture. Since many
religious systems (such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity) explain the
issue of evil and how followers attempt to escape it, this component of religion is
entwined with the soteriological side. According to traditional Christianity, sin is a
part of who we are as people. This idea lays the groundwork for redemption via
divine grace, which results from God's sin forgiveness. Buddhism holds that
human suffering is ingrained in the human mind and that redemption by
intellectual development is possible. Therefore, the notion of human nature, the
issue of evil, and the means of redemption are intertwined in all religions.
IV. SYMBOLIC
Some academics of mythology and psychology even go so far as to say

that the primary feature of religious expression is its symbolic component. One of
the most significant ways to understand and communicate religious truths is
thought to be through systems of symbols and images that are composed in a
certain organized and specified connection to the form, substance, and goal of
presentation. Acts take on significance when they are motivated by religion.
Religion is manifested in public through rituals. Ritual includes the following: 1)
the social structure of the religious community; 2) the roles of different religious
personnel designated for specific religious responsibilities; 3) the ways in which
followers approach the sacred dimension through behavior; and 4) the
mechanisms employed to ensure appropriate behavior both in groups and on an
individual basis. Furthermore, ritual acts are frequently regarded as sacred, or seen
as essential to achieving salvation. This prompts an examination of three topics:
1) the use of symbols in religion; 2) distinctive gestures, speech patterns, and
bodily movements; and 3) the impact of religious belief on art and architecture.
V. MORAL
While religion focuses largely on the interaction between humans and a

transcendent reality, morality is regarded to relate to the conduct of human affairs
and relations between individuals. Though he was willing to criticize religious
excesses and fanaticism, Kant's thinking embodied the views of those who felt
that morality and religion are mutually exclusive. He was convinced that belief in
a God who rewards the virtuous and punishes the wicked was necessary to ensure
full moral commitment.
VI. ORGANIZATIONAL
In society, supportive organizations play a crucial role. They were created

to support those who are experiencing difficulties. Although religious views might
be very personal, religion is also a social institution, despite the fact that some
individuals consider religion to be something personal. According to social
scientists, religion is an integrated and structured system of rules, actions, and
beliefs that are based on fundamental societal needs and values. Numerous
religious organizations fulfill this purpose, as do interfaith organizations that unite
followers of various religions in order to assist the underprivileged. Religious
organizations are nonprofit, voluntary, registered, or unregistered enterprises
whose purpose and identity are drawn from a religious or spiritual tradition.
VII. THEOLOGICAL
The study of religion is called theology. It looks at how religion manifests

itself in various human experiences and cultural contexts. The essence of the
ultimate being, or whatever serves as the foundation of ultimate validity in
religion, is the subject of theology. Gods are primarily thought of as concepts or
imaginary beings to be studied with intellectual curiosity; they are the subjects of
religious activity and devotion. Understanding a certain religious perspective
necessitates understanding and appreciating how its followers connect their
practices and beliefs to extremely significant entities. In order to adequately
address theology, one must examine how believers see their relationship to the
objects of their devotion as well as the philosophical frameworks that articulate
this relationship.
References:
Stetler, E. (2014). Soteriology. In Springer eBooks (pp. 1688–1689). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-
4614-6086-2_654
Wiki, C. T. R. (n.d.). Soteriology. Religion Wiki. https://religion.fandom.com/wiki/Soteriology
Anthropology of Religion | Encyclopedia.com. (n.d.). https://www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-
religion/other-religious-beliefs-and-general-terms/religion-general/anthropology-religion
Goldammer, K. M. A. (1999, July 26). Religious symbolism and iconography | Description, Meaning,
Types, Influence, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/religious-symbolism
Morality and Religion | Encyclopedia.com. (n.d.).
https://www.encyclopedia.com/environment/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/
morality-and-religion
Library Guides: Theology and Religion: Background information. (n.d.).
https://libguides.library.nd.edu/theology-and-religion
Libretexts. (2021, July 23). 10.3: Elements of Religion - Cosmologies and the Supernatural. Social
Sci LibreTexts. http://tinyurl.com/5b3zp2yn

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Fundamental Features of Religion

The scientific study of the structure, composition, and development of the

The area of theology known as soteriology is devoted to the study of

The study of anthropology focuses on the emergence and evolution of

Some academics of mythology and psychology even go so far as to say

While religion focuses largely on the interaction between humans and a

In society, supportive organizations play a crucial role. They were created

The study of religion is called theology. It looks at how religion manifests

Stetler, E. (2014). Soteriology. In Springer eBooks (pp. 1688–1689). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-

Wiki, C. T. R. (n.d.). Soteriology. Religion Wiki. https://religion.fandom.com/wiki/Soteriology

Anthropology of Religion | Encyclopedia.com. (n.d.). https://www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-

Types, Influence, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica.

Morality and Religion | Encyclopedia.com. (n.d.).

Library Guides: Theology and Religion: Background information. (n.d.).

Sci LibreTexts. http://tinyurl.com/5b3zp2yn

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