World Religions

Coach Crews
World History

Polleverywhere
1. Is religion important in our world today?
2. Is it important to know about other religions?
3. Does religion play a major role in your life?

What is religion?
Religion is that system of activities and beliefs directed toward that

which is perceived to be of sacred value and transforming power.

But religion is such a complex and varied human phenomenon that
some sociologists prefer to avoiddefinitionsand think of religion in
terms of anideal type. They will say thatmostreligions
havemostof the characteristics of the ideal type, but they need not
haveallof them.
An ideal type of religion includes:
interaction with the supernatural
a diagnosis of something essentially wrong with the human
condition, and a prescription for salvation or liberation from it
regular, repeated behavior (ritual)
community practice

What is religion?
Many believers are quick to say their faith is unique

and not like those other religions. For example,

evangelical Christians in America are fond of saying
that Christianity is not a religion, its a relationship.
Well, so be it, but Christianity is most definitely a
religion, too. Yes, Christianity is unique becauseall
religions are unique. Our goal here will be to
appreciate and investigate their similarities and their
differences
See more at: http://commonsenseatheism.com/?
p=5006#sthash.ahw2SYfA.dpuf

Why study religion?

Why should we study religion? Most people will not need an answer.

But let us consider some good reasons for studying religion:

1. To better understand our species. Few things are more

fundamental to the human experience than religion. To

understand religion is to understand ourselves.
2. To better understand each other. For billions of people, religion is
the most defining aspect of their lives. And yet we typically know
very little about the religion of our neighbors. Studying religion
can help us understand our neighbors, what is most important to
them, and what makes them tick.
See more at: http://commonsenseatheism.com/?
p=5251#sthash.yti60eNJ.dpuf

Why study religion?

3. To better understand human cultures. It is impossible to understand

religious cultures in general without understanding their religious

histories in particular. Even todays largely non-religious cultures
are greatly shaped by their religious pasts for example
Christianity in Scandinavia and Shinto in Japan.
4. To better engage the global society. The world is connected as
never before. Many interactions succeed or fail on the basis of our
understanding of each other. For example, the failure of the U.S.
government to understand the religious dimensions of conflicts in
Southeast Asia or Iran helps explain many of their errors in
judgment in recent decades.
See more at: http://commonsenseatheism.com/?
p=5251#sthash.yti60eNJ.dpuf

Differing opinions
Obviously there are many belief systems

around the world. Not everyone is going to

agree on what religion is the best.
However, some people disagree over the
importance of religion all together

Impact of religion
Religion impacts societies around the world,

both in their founding and in life today

http://video.foxnews.com/v/2972492951001/imp
act-of-religion-on-americas-founding/

Exit Slip
With your partner, list 3 positive or negative

effects of religion (what it can teach you or

how it can impact your life)