The role of religion
in today’s world is quite complex and even
perplexing. Religions, which were once considered
to guide people to the path of righteousness and
virtues, are turning out to be the impetus behind
terrorism and communalism, leading to wars and
malice. Religion has long been considered to give
spiritual and moral support to individuals and
played a major role in integrating and regulating
social. It is said that “the main role of
religion [is] to celebrate and sustain the norms
upon which the integration of society depends”
[Geertz, 1968: 402]. However, today religion plays
a more divisive role – each religion trying
to establish its predominance over the other,
killing thousands of fellow beings in the process.
While at an individual level, religion still offers
a solace, at a more organized level religion is
used as a socio-political tool.
Religion – The word “religion”
is understood to be derived from the Latin religio,
which means to ‘bind together.’ Thus
religion implies those practices and beliefs,
which binds people together and teaches them the
norms of rightful living. Religion not only binds
a certain class of people, it also binds humans
with the concept of God, understood as the Supreme
controller of life and death and all other occurrences
on the earth.
God – God is super-natural and signifies
the all-pervasive, all-knowing, creator and supreme
controller of life and death and all other occurrences
on the earth.
Sacred – Sacred is something- thought, feeling,
action, knowledge –that is holy and devout
or dedicated, being attached to God and hence
worthy of reverence.
Ritual – Ritual is a fundamental religious
practice or expression of belief, performed with
a specific motive, more often health, general
well being etc.
Myth – Myths are sacred stories that explain
the role of supernatural forces in human lives,
ever since the origin of man, through symbol and
metaphor, thereby promoting cultural continuity
and stability in society
Theism—Theism is defined as the belief in
one or more Gods [Author Unknown2, 2004]
Deism -- Deism is a belief system that proclaims
the existence of a God or Supreme Being but denies
revealed or organized religion, on the basis of
nature and reason. [Author Unknown1, 2004]
Polytheism – Polytheism refers to belief
in many gods. Hinduism can be said to a polytheist
belief system.
Monotheism -- Monotheism refers to the belief
in one infinite and personal god. Judaism and
Islam are examples of monotheist systems. [Author
Unknown2, 2004]
Mysticism -- Mysticism is defined as an immediate
consciousness of God or the transcendent or ultimate
reality. As a religious phenomenon, mysticism
has occurred across many religious faiths viz.
Islam, Christianity and Judaism. [Ahmad, 2004]
Symbolism – Symbolism refers to the religious
belief in abstract symbols, like the holy cross,
swastika etc. Religious symbols occur across much
religious faith viz., Christianity, Hinduism etc.
Fundamentalism – Fundamentalism i.e. religious
fundamentalism refers to the belief that one’s
religious texts are faultless and historically
accurate, even if proved otherwise. Fundamentalism
is characterized by intolerance and lack of openness.
[Author Unknown1, 2004]
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