Introduction To World

Religion Beliefs And

Systems
PRIMER
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
• The course explores the main tenets and practices of
major world religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism,
Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, Confucianism,
Taoism and Shintoism.
• It aims to help learners understand the historical contexts
of nine religions, appreciate their uniqueness and
similarities and promote mutual understanding among
believers of different faiths.
• They are expected to demonstrate understanding and
appreciation of one’s faith and that of others.
 WHAT CAN WE EXPECT? 
• As Asians, we should be proud of the fact that the world’s
greatest religions originated from Asia. From the arid
western frontier began Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
From the vast Indian subcontinent came Hinduism,
Theravada Buddhism, and Mahayana Buddhism from South
Asia. In the east, originated Confucianism, Daoism, and
Shintoism. The study of world religions is a challenging and
worthwhile endeavour.
 WHAT CAN WE EXPECT? 
• The discussion is divided into four parts:
– The first part will discuss the key concepts in religion and belief systems which
serve as framework in the study of religions; the geographical and cultural
contexts of these religions as they originated; and the effects of religion on
followers and adherents.
– The second part will explore the nature of the Abrahamic religions from West
Asia (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam).
– The third part will examine the features of the Dharmic religions from South Asia
(Hinduism,Theravada Buddhism, and Mahayana Buddhism).
– The fourth part will look into the attributes of the Daoic religions from East Asia
(Confucianism, Daoism, and Shintoism).
Each chapter ends with a comparative analysis of these religions with focus on their
origin, purpose, morality, destiny, and views on women. The final lesson attempts to
determine the religious landscape of the 21st century by way of assessing the
uniqueness of each world religion and its impact on humanity.
 GENERAL AIM OF THE SUBJECT
• Apart from understanding key concepts in religion, it is also
imperative to learn the historical and geographical
circumstances of world religions in order to appreciate
their distinctive characteristics. This endeavor aims to
promote mutual understanding among adherents of various
belief systems. At the end of the semester, students are
expected not only to understand world religions, but more
importantly, to demonstrate an appreciation and respect
for their own faith and that of others.
 L ET ’ S S TA R T
E X P LO R I N G T H E
SUBJECT!
 INTRODUCTORY
QUESTION

Its ok to debate politics,

products (mac vs pc) but not
religion.
 UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF RELIGION
• Religion has been in existence since the earliest time of humankind.
Wherever humankind inhabits, religion too exists. Presently, we are all
witness as to how religion continues to play crucial roles in world
politics in the twenty-first century as can be seen from the various
political conflicts that have their roots in religious differences.
• Understanding the nature of religion enlightens learners about the
common grounds that bind believers into examining the questions of life
and death and why or how persons yearn for spiritual inspiration.
Recognizing the inherent characteristics of religion provides the
opportunity to deeply grasp the many beliefs and practices that mold
humankind's spiritual needs.
In the context of religion, list down 10 things that you
believe in by completing the following statements. What
have you observed in your own belief system?

1. I believe in/that _________________________________

2. I believe in/that _________________________________
3. I believe in/that _________________________________
4. I believe in/that _________________________________
5. I believe in/that _________________________________
6. I believe in/that _________________________________
7. I believe in/that _________________________________
8. I believe in/that _________________________________
9. I believe in/that _________________________________
10. I believe in/that _________________________________
 Were you able to
distinguish which of your
answers reflect spiritual
Was it difficult for you belief and which are
to think of ten things religious beliefs?
that you believe in?
Why or why not?

Did you find this activity

thought-provoking? Why
Think about it!!! or why not?
• Every individual sees and interprets the world quite differently from one
another.
• Worldview- a collection of beliefs about life and the universe being held by
people.
• Belief in god or gods is found in almost all religions. There is a good reason to
presuppose that religion had existed during prehistoric times and this has
continued to the modern day. Human life may have produced hundreds of
religions and belief systems. There could be more unknown than known
religions in the world since recorded history covers only several thousand years
of human existence.
 KINDS OF BELIEF SYSTEM
Kinds Description
Monism there is no real distinction between god and the universe
Polytheism the belief and worship of many gods
Monotheism the doctrine or belief in one supreme god
Atheism disbelief in or denial of the existence of a personal god
Agnosticism god cannot be know
• Religion may be defined as “an organized system of beliefs,
ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of
gods”.
• The Latin word religio refers to “something done with
overanxious or scrupulous attention to detail” (Bowker
1997). This term may have probably been derived from the
Latin verb religare which means “to tie together, to bind
fast.”
• In its original sense, the word religion refers to expression of
proper piety, that is, binding to god.
• While religion may be universal in all stages of human
history, it does not follow that all individuals are religious or
even religious to some degree.
Figure 1 illustrates the different characteristics that are common to most major
religions. Can you give some concrete examples?
THE ORIGINS OF
RELIGION
“ U N D E R S TA N D I N G H O W D O M A J O R
RELIGIONS BEGAN”
• Since the nineteenth century, people began to show great interest
in explaining the origins of religion. In fact, numerous theories have
been postulated to explain the origin of religion while looking at
primitive societies for ideas concerning the development of belief
systems (Hendry 1999).
• Archaeologists believe that they have discovered elements of
religious belief practiced by Homo sapiens almost 60,000 years
ago. Apart from burying the dead, various items such as foods, tools,
and other objects were placed inside the site. All these rituals imply
reverence to their loved ones and perhaps the thought that the
dead will utilize these materials in the afterlife. While they believe in
the presence of supernatural entities, they also try to communicate
with them
• The concept of spirituality comes in with the term “spiritual” being defined as “relating or
affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things”.