...TermPaperWarehouse.com - Free Term Papers, Essays and Research DocumentsThe Research Paper FactoryJoinSearchBrowseSaved Papers Home Page » Religion Topics Elements of Religious Tradition Rel/134 In: Religion Topics Elements of Religious Tradition Rel/134 Elements of Religious Tradition UoP Student REL/134 October 24, 2011 UoP Facilitator Elements of Religious Tradition Religious traditions influence people and even more important cultures across the world on a daily basis. Religions have many differing views on what or who represents the divine and offer many perspectives on exactly how to worship or pay respect to those identified as the divine. The subsequent paragraphs will investigate how religious traditions describe and encourage relationships with the divine, sacred time, sacred space or the natural world and relationships with each other will ensure a more thorough understanding of differing religions. Additionally, providing several examples from various religious traditions will go one step farther in enhancing that understanding. The foundation to any successful religious belief is to establish a relationship with the divine. The Divine Since the dawn of time spiritual relationships with the Divine have been prevalent as part of the human existence in the natural world. Different religions refer to the sacred by various names such as Great Spirit, the Holy, the Divine, the Great Mother, the Ultimate, and the Absolute. One of the most...
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...Elements of Religious Traditions There are countless religions and belief systems covering every corner of our planet. Some are extremely large, such as Christianity, with over two billion followers and some faiths with as few as dozen followers. One thing, regardless of size, that all religions have is varying elements of tradition in which they follow. What these traditions say, do, and how they organize their leadership are essential to the relationship of the sacred. Traditions of a religion preserve the foundation and structure of the religion’s survival and expansion. A key element of these traditions includes religious rituals, leadership structure, and the establishing of membership. What a religious tradition says is the backbone of what each and every religion is based on. The belief system, or worldview, is what unites the people and forms the cohesion of a congregation. The ethical teachings form how the followers should behave and carry themselves in order to properly represent who their faith and their identity within their faith. Every religion has myths and stories that are held as truths and are fundamental to their beliefs. These truths are key traditional aspects to which the followers base their faiths on. Without these elements to support the religion, the backbone of the religion would crumble. A supporting element of religious traditions that help support these truths is rituals. Rituals are the way the followers worship and interpret their...
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...Elements of Religious Traditions REL/134 May 13, 2013 Elements of Religious Traditions Religious traditions share many common elements. First, religious traditions often describe and encourage a relationship with the divine. Further, religions frequently describe and encourage relationships with sacred times and events, for example, a holy birth. Additionally, religious traditions may possess common beliefs concerning sacred space and the natural world. For example, many religions teach earth is sacred, whereas others teach earth is imperfect. Moreover, religious traditions frequently define relationships with other religions, for example, as good or bad. People who study religion often encounter key critical issues, including limited data, unwritten information, and preconceived ideas. Though many religious traditions share common elements, beliefs, and relationships, religion can be difficult to study. Religious traditions often define their relationship with a divine. Religions usually portray their relationship with a scared as a superior-inferior relationship, where people are inferior to the sacred (Molloy, 2010). Some religions describe their relationship with the divine as special, where other religions do not define their relationship at all. For example, Christians teach the Earth’s inhabitants are a main concern of the sacred, whereas Confucians teach people have no relationship with the divine (Molloy, 2010). Still, Buddhists contend sacred’s...
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...Elements of Religious Traditions World Religious Traditions ll REL/134 Elements of Religious Traditions Religious traditions play significant role in the lives of human beings around the world. There are different meanings for religion and the simplest definition of religion is that it is a belief system or cultural system that helps reconnect the human reality with the sacred world by being a moral guide for the way human beings live (CCSU, n. d.). There are eight elements in religious traditions, belief system, a community, central myth stories, rituals, ethics, characteristic emotional experiences, material expression, and sacredness(Molly & Hilgers, 2010). In this paper the following topics will be discussed, religious traditions and its relationships, key critical issues in the study of religion, and examples from various religious traditions. Relationship With the Divine From the beginning of the human life, spiritual relationships with the Divine have been common as part of the human survival in the natural world. Different religions state to the sacred by different names based on their beliefs. They call it as Great Spirit, the Holy, the Divine, and the Absolute. A person’s relationship with the divine depends on many events and teachings that he or she experiences throughout her or his life. Having a relationship with the divine, people are able to reach their ultimate goal of the religion in which a person or culture follows. The...
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...The Elements of Religious Traditions The Elements of Religious Traditions Brian E. Johnson, Sr. REL/134 Lewis Hoye, Instructor University of Phoenix This paper represents a discussion on the basic elements that comprise religious traditions. Included will be descriptions of the basic components of religious traditions along with the relationship they have with the divine, sacred time, sacred space and with each other. Also included will be discussion of what religious traditions say, what religious traditions do, and how they are organized. What makes a religion a religion? How does it affect the people that believe in it? How is religion affected by culture and vice versa? Religious study has evolved into a very complex academic endeavor. Whether it began as an attempt to either prove or disprove religion is not clear. What is evident is that most human cultures are profoundly shaped by the religious traditions of their respective regions. Studying religion will help one to gain perspective on the people that practice as well as the society in which they live. It has been noted that in studying religion, one brings their own beliefs into the process. Whether this is a help or hindrance is not as important as the fact that there are ways by which one can at least attempt to remain objective in the study of religion. What makes a religion a religion? Scholars have recognized that although the components may look different, there are certain elements, usually eight...
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...Elements of Religious Traditions REL 133 Elements of Religious Traditions Religion is crucial to many people and groups around the globe. Individuals can learn, have belief and opinions, and worship within their traditions. Most strive for peace and comfort in the elements of religion. Religion is important to citizens and to the community throughout the world. People study, judge, and view the Bible differently because of the diverse cultures. Some people believe in and worship only one God although others believe in many Gods. Some religions believe that every entity and object on the planet are sacred and worthy of worshiping. It is important to know and understand his or hers own religious beliefs such as prayer, ceremonies, and pilgrimage, and understand and respect the religious beliefs of others to obtain world peace. The author of this paper will provide information about what a religious tradition says, what it does, how it organizes, and critical issues involved in these practices. What a religious tradition says/critical issue Many differences of oral and written traditions exist in the various religions. Sacred texts and oral traditions exist and are well-known by the various religions around the world. Many indigenous religions have only oral traditions that have not been written down. There are some indigenous people who do not have a written...
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...Elements of Religious Traditions There are many different religions that are practiced all over the world. Most all of these religions share eight elements. These include a belief system, community, central myths, rituals, ethics, characteristic emotional experiences, material expression and sacredness. These various religions all have special traditions that honor the sacred to which its followers believe. Although, there are key critical issues in the study of religion, there are also many benefits. Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam are three examples of religion types that are practiced throughout the world. However, there are also different varieties of these religions practiced. In Christianity, the Orthodox churches of Greece, Russia, Romania and elsewhere are closely related to each other, but are rather different from western Catholicism. There are also numerous forms of Protestant Christianity such as Methodism, Baptist, and Pentecostalism. Different types of Buddhism include Theravada Buddhism which is practiced in Sri Lanka and in South East Asia. Mahayana, Tibetan, and Shingon are other examples of Buddhism. The most prominent division in the Islam religion is between the Sunnites and Shi’ites. The first of the eight elements that these religions share is their belief system. They have a common belief or worldview of the universe and what place the human being’s have in it. Community means that this belief is shared and practiced by all its members or group...
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...Elements of Religious Traditions Elements of Religious Traditions In striving to understand religious traditions it is important to understand what religion is. The common translation of religion is “to join again,” “to reconnect” (Molloy, 2010, p. 5). Religion cannot be accurately defined with a single definition because there are many differences. Most definitions found in dictionaries are not completely accurate or complete. Dictionary definitions according to Molloy, 2010, p. 5, indicates religion is a belief system that consists of the worship of a single God or multiple gods, ceremony, ethical and moral code, and prayer. To define better religion one should identify the characteristics commonly found and accepted as religions (Molloy, 2010, p. 5). To identify the elements of religious traditions one must explain religious traditions relationship with the divine, sacred time, sacred space, and their relationship with each other. Scholars believe the following eight elements are commonly found in most religions (Molloy, 2010, pgs. 6-7): * Belief System * Community * Central Myths * Rituals * Ethics * Characteristic Emotional Experiences * Material Expression * Sacredness Understanding the key critical issues in the study of religion will help one understand that there is a vast number of religions with a vast number of beliefs (Johnson, 2013). Religions Relationship with the Divine To identify religious traditions relationship...
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...Elements of Religious Traditions Crystal Bonner World Religious Traditions/REL 134 Professor Clark Frailey March 17, 2014 Elements of Religious Traditions This paper is going to highlight and take an in depth look into the world of religion. Topics such as the relationship with the divine, sacred time, sacred space and or the natural world and with each other will be discussed and scrutinized within this writing. Belief in the Supernatural or “Higher Power” Every religion; in some way, shape, or form believes in a supernatural being or higher power. Some consider this supernatural power to be formless; almost as if to say it cannot be seen. They may even have a sacred space or time for which the divine power exists or began. They believe that this unseen power influences every aspect of human life; from the way we raise our children to our morality in deciphering between what is right and wrong. Religious Traditions all Together Religious traditions are practices within religions that are passed down from generation to generation amongst others of any one religion. Different religious traditions such as the last supper (breaking bread and drinking wine in representation to Jesus’ flesh and blood) or Easter (the day that Jesus raised from the grave) all represent traditions that correlate with and complement each other to reinforce Christian beliefs (Bible Gateway, 2011). Issues in the Study of Religion There can be many issues that arise within the study...
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...Elements of Religious Traditions World Religious Traditions I Elements of Religious Traditions Religion is significant to every person and their communities all over the world. Every person can judge, study, and have their own personal view when it comes to the Bible and their culture. Some support the need to have calmness and harmony when it comes to their religion and have faith in one God. In order for a person to gain information and understanding of religion one must know more about religious beliefs such as prayer, pilgrimage, ceremonies, and praying. It is important to realize the differences between written and oral traditions. Oral traditions and sacred texts are very well known by many religions around the world. Some of the native religions are made from oral traditions instead of through texts. Due to their religion being taught by oral tradition, their culture and religion has been passed down the generations. It can be more difficult for people to be able to keep in touch and examine their religion when the only way it is taught is through oral tradition. It is very important to find the purpose of a written text and pair it to a particular religion. Some religious ideas work by using many methods regardless if those methods seem unrealistic or are a set of principles. There are two ways of how religion can be articulated. The first way is the creation of the planet. For example, in the Shinto religion the creation of the planet is described by a...
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...Studying Religion Paper Andrea Mateo University of Phoenix World Religious Traditions II REL/134 Rafael Frim October 19, 2015 Today, there is a vast variety of religions and beliefs all around the world. These Religions may have similar and different views and beliefs, but at the end, despite the differences in religious, cultures and practices, certain fundamentals in religion remain the same. The following paragraphs will discuss the essentials in the practices and beliefs for a tradition to be called religion, the commonalities of the three Western religions, how do different fields of study approach religion and some critical issues in the academic study of religion. All religions share the same essential element, the sacred or the holy, is not palpable and cannot be seen or explained by language, it is beyond humans’ imagination. Although they share the same sacred, they may differ in their traditions, organization, and beliefs. Traditions are the grounds and organization in each religion. Some of the key elements found in these traditions are the beliefs, practices, and structure. The Believe system, also known as a worldview, is a group of beliefs that explains the human being place in the universe. The Ethic Rules specifies how the community should live by, and establish how followers should behave based on their beliefs. Myths are the stories that support the religion held as truths are fundamental to their beliefs. A supporting element of religious traditions...
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...Elements of Religious Traditions Brenda L. Miller REL 133 - Week One Assignment March 3, 2014 Calvin Habig Elements of Religious Traditions In an attempt to seek answers of the mysteries within our universe, people use the basic components of religion, critical issues, and various religious traditions to worship and honor a higher power, god, divine, spiritual being, or an eternal world to receive fulfillment and comfort in life. It is this sacredness which brings the mind, body, and spirit together as the foundation toward religion in daily life. Gaining an understanding of the basic components of religious traditions, some of the critical issues in religion, and various religious traditions will allow individuals further insight on the elements of religion. The basic components of religious traditions will explain how religions organize, what they do, and say. Basic Components of Religious Traditions The religions of the world give insight into traditions, what religions share, insight of people, tolerance/appreciation of differences, intellectual questioning, insight into daily life, appreciation of the arts, an enjoyment of travel, family traditions, and personal religious quests (Molloy, 2010). To believe in a higher power, a deity, spiritual being, creator, divine, God, group of gods, or have a faithful following of an eternal world is to be religious. A tradition is a repetitive behavior with a significant reasoning or meaning that continues over time. ...
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...Elements of Religious Traditions Valerie D. Hayes World Religious Traditions I REL/133 November 26, 2013 Susan Johnson Elements of Religious Traditions Religion is substantial to each person and to the community all over the planet. Each person can study, judge, and have their personal views with regards to the Bible and their cultures. Some people promote for harmony and calmness in the essentials of religion and the faith solely on one God. One must know the religious beliefs like prayer, praising, pilgrimage, and ceremonies in order for one to acquire information and awareness of religion. A consideration must be made between the difference of oral and written traditions. Sacred texts and oral traditions are well-known by reason of the various religions around the globe. Some native religions have been made only by means of oral tradition and not through text. Because of this, the cultures of their religion were conveyed through oral tradition from one generation to another. It is more difficult for a person to examine and keep in touch when only oral tradition is utilized. A pivotal topic is to seek the purpose of a written text to a particular religion. One religion’s idea normally works in a various little methods whether it is unrealistic or a set of principle. There are two means on how religion can be articulated. First is the creation of our planet. For an instance, in Shinto Religion, the creation of our planet is described...
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...Elements of Religious Traditions Patricia McNeely REL/133 June 8, 2012 Dr. Victoria Yancey Elements of Religious Tradition What a religious tradition says? Understanding religion beliefs and key characteristics on how religion manifest in some degree of belief a system where several beliefs fit together into a systematic interpretation of the universe and human being’s placed in it. Community is shared and its ideas are practice by groups. Stories that express the religious beliefs are retold and reenacted. Central myths are major events in the life of Hindu god Krishna, the enlightenment experience of the Buddha, the exodus of the Israelites from oppression in Egypt, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Religion is a way of life founded upon apprehension of sacredness in existence. Ethics are often viewed as having been revealed from a supernatural realm, but can be viewed socially generated guideline Emotional experiences associated with religions are dread guilt, awe, mystery, devotion, conversions, “rebirth”, liberation, ecstasy, bliss, and inner peace. Religions make use of an astonishing variety of physical elements. What a religious tradition does? Christians use water for baptisms; Jews use water for ritual purification; and Muslims and followers of Shinto wash before prayer. Ashes also have widespread use among religious tradition to suggest death and the spirit world: are used by tribal religions in dance ceremonies...
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...Elements of Religious Traditions REL/134 Elements of Religious Traditions Studying religion can enrich one’s life in many ways. First, it is important to understand the basic elements of religious traditions by focusing on important religious relationships, and critical issues in the study of religion. Important Religious Relationships There are many important relationships in religions. These include relationships with the divine, with sacred time, with sacred space and the natural world, and with other religions. The Divine An important part of religion is a relationship with the divine, or sacred reality, and can be presented in many different ways. In monotheistic religions, the divine is referred to as God. God is thought of as having power over the universe and is unlimited by ordinary reality. Pantheism sees nature as the divine, and believes that everything is connected to nature. Polytheism believes in many gods, usually in charge of different aspects of reality. For example, Poseidon was the Greek God of the sea while Aphrodite was the God of love (Molloy & Hilgers, Chapter 1, 2010). Sacred Time Religions that emphasize creation such as Christianity and Judaism believe that time is linear, with a beginning and an end. This makes time a valuable commodity because it is limited. Other religions such as Hinduism believe that time repeats itself in cycles. Emphasis on time is not as important in these religions, as they tend to focus on the present,...
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