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A: The Origin of World Religions
A: The Origin of World Religions
To understand the concept of "religion," one must look back on the early connection of humans to the earth and their environment around them.
To understand the concept of "religion," one must look back on the early connection of humans to the earth and their environment around them.
B: So...Why religion?
B: So...Why religion?
As people created more efficient systems of communication and more complex governments in early agrarian civilizations, they also developed what we now call religion.
What is religion?
What is religion?
Religion can be described as a social institution that involves an agreed-upon system of beliefs and practices that recognizes things that are "sacred" or set apart from society as extraordinary, inspiring awe, and deserving of reverence.
C: What is the function of religion?
C: What is the function of religion?
Religion has served a variety of purposes throughout history.
Religion has served a variety of purposes throughout history.
At its core, religion was a way for humans to seek comfort in the unknown and make sense of the world around them. There were so many things that early man struggled to comprehend. By developing a belief system that included spirits and gods, humans better related to their world simply based on stories and faith.
At a minimum, religions developed over time to answer the three (3) big unknowns: our origin story, our purpose in life, and our destiny after death.
At a minimum, religions developed over time to answer the three (3) big unknowns: our origin story, our purpose in life, and our destiny after death.
Where did we come from?
Where did we come from?
How should we live our lives?
How should we live our lives?
What happens when we die?
What happens when we die?
Religion also has served as a means of controlling a population, either by faith or by fear.
Religion also has served as a means of controlling a population, either by faith or by fear.
Whether laying out guidelines for expected behavior or consequences for violating the laws of the gods, religion also has been used to control and guide people in their daily lives. By requiring believers to "have faith," religious leaders relied on the concept of belief, either in the teachings and practices of the religion, or the interpretations of the same. Those who would defy the expectations could be accused of acting against the society, as a whole. It is no small wonder that leaders in ancient times also claimed to lead the religion of their people, or - quite literally - be godlike figures within their faith.
D: Practical Purposes
D: Practical Purposes
When examining religion through the lens of how it is STRUCTURED TO FUNCTION in society, there are three (3) major functions:
When examining religion through the lens of how it is STRUCTURED TO FUNCTION in society, there are three (3) major functions:
Religion provides social cohesion to help maintain social solidarity through shared rituals and beliefs
Religion offers social control to enforce religious-based morals and norms to help maintain conformity and control in society
Religion offers meaning and purpose to answer any existential questions
E: Religion can explain...
E: Religion can explain...
Religion is not imaginary; religion is very real.
Religion is not imaginary; religion is very real.
Religion can be an expression of a culture or society. As individual people believe in a force(s) greater than themselves, they can agree on who/what that may be. This agreement can be expressed in groups, and demonstrates the power of a shared belief system.
Does religion help us to explain something like this...?
Does religion help us to explain something like this...?
Modern religions mix with ancient beliefs
Modern religions mix with ancient beliefs
Many of the newly developed or reformed faiths combine modern scientific fact with ancient beliefs. In some instances, this leads to newer understandings of the ancient beliefs, themselves. In other cases, the modern concept of religion is flexible and various constructs of faith develop to suit the needs and/or beliefs of the population.
Origin stories provide insight
Origin stories provide insight
Knowing where a religion came from and why it was developed assist historians in putting the pieces together to understand a people or a culture of a civilization. To that end, origin stories serve as important components when analyzing religions for similarities and overlapping themes. This may prove some stories and beliefs to be universal, with cultural or geographical variations likely to suit the population of followers in any one particular faith.
F: Questions About Religion
F: Questions About Religion
Post your questions about religion in the class padlet, shared in Google Classroom.
Post your questions about religion in the class padlet, shared in Google Classroom.
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