What Is Religion Essay - 1614 Words

What is religion? Each person’s definition of religion is different. Each person’s faith is different. This is a question that has been asked for centuries, and regardless of the answer given there is no right or wrong answer. Religion can be defined as a group of people who have shared beliefs who feel their life has purpose or meaning. This feeling or belief that their life has meaning can come from outside of themselves, as well as within. Taking this one step further, these shared beliefs put into action in the form of worship, can be easily identified because they happen regularly. It can be said the Primal religions were in fact not religions. Some may argue Confucianism is not a religion. Others may say Taoism is not a†¦show more content†¦They are teachings learned by previous generations then passed down, they are not always actions. The fifth feature of religion is grace. Grace is defined by Smith as â€Å"the belief and assurance that re ality is on our side and can be counted on.† Lastly there is mystery. For this there is no exact definition, but it is all of what a religion cannot explain, it is all that the human mind cannot grasp, it is the certain â€Å"higher power† that religion offers. Of these six features, there are three that are present in most all religions, they are: authority, tradition, and mystery. Authority, tradition, and mystery further explore and define religion when looking specifically at Primal Religions, Confucianism, and Taoism. Primal Religions are often mistaken to be the religion of the primitive man, often thought to be unintelligent. There is a definition of â€Å"primal† that is better suited than unintelligent or primitive. Primal in terms of religion, refers to the lack of exposure to technology, it is not â€Å"knowing† the state of consciousness given to many by the technological environment. Primal religions preceded organized religion as we know it today by thousands of years, in some cases millions, but are still present in the world today; we now call them tribal religions. Within primal religions there are people who are knowledgeable about life, who are knowledgeable about Defining Religion-4 traditions, and who areShow MoreRelatedReligion : What Is Religion?2567 Words   |  11 PagesWhat is religion? Remember to advance a claim, make an argument, and support that argument with evidence from our readings. A Way of progress/life goal Primal Religions= Confucianism= To become a Chun Tzu Taoism= To follow the Way and attain or maintain te. ‘‘two great sanctions: the moral requirements visible in nature and the inner conviction of what is right and wrong The eastern religions of Taoism and Confucianism, as well as, the primal religions discussed by Smith are far differentRead MoreReligion : What Is It?902 Words   |  4 PagesReligion: What is it? 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