Religion and Belief System
Where does the word “religion” come from and what does it mean?
Latin “religare” or "religio"– to bind together
What is a worldview?
A lens through which an individual sees and interprets the world, based on beliefs, experiences, and values.
Belief in many gods
Polytheism
Define spirituality
A personal, internalized sense of connection to something greater than oneself.
One benefit of studying world religions
Promotes interfaith understanding and tolerance
What is a belief system?
A structured set of principles that guides a person’s actions, worldview, and understanding of the universe.
Name one component that influences worldview.
Religion and spirituality, culture and tradition, education and upbringing, or experiences and environment.
Belief in one supreme God
Monotheism
Define religion
A structured system of beliefs and practices shared by a group and often organized institutionally.
Why is it important to understand spiritual diversity?
It encourages respect for cultural and spiritual differences.
In your own words, what is religion?
A system of beliefs and practices centered around the sacred or divine that gives life meaning.
Give an example of a sacred text from any religion.
Bible (Christianity), Quran (Islam), Vedas (Hinduism), Torah (Judaism).
Disbelief in a personal God
Atheism
Define theology
The academic and systematic study of the divine, religious beliefs, and doctrines.
How does religion influence history or society?
It impacts societal values, institutions, traditions, and identity.
State one function of a belief system.
It shapes values, decisions, and behavior. (Other valid: interprets life events, influences worldview.)
Give an example of a religious symbol and the religion it belongs to.
Cross (Christianity), Crescent moon (Islam), Om (Hinduism), Star of David (Judaism).
God cannot be known
Agnosticism
How is spirituality different from religion?
Spirituality is personal and may not be tied to formal religion; religion is organized and shared by a group.
What personal benefit can this subject bring?
It helps students reflect on their own beliefs and values.
How does religion guide people to know right from wrong?
Religion teaches a moral code (e.g., commandments or sacred teachings) that define right and wrong.
Name four elements of religion
Ritual, Symbol, Sacred Text, Sacred Space, Community, Belief, and Moral Code
Belief that spirits exist in nature
Animism
How are religion and theology related?
Religion is practiced and lived; theology is the academic study of those practices and beliefs.
How does this subject promote peaceful coexistence?
By fostering awareness, empathy, and respect for others’ beliefs.