DR. FILEMON C.

AGUILAR MEMORIAL COLLEGE OF LAS PIÑAS

Golden Gate Subd., Talon III, Las Piñas City
Tel No. 403-1985, 478-8671, 519-1960

Course Code: GE 110

COURSE TITLE: Religions, Religious Experiences, and Spirituality

Module 1 – What is Religion and How Will We Study It?

Professors:

Prof. Senen Vergel Villanueva

Prof. Esther J. Villar

Prof. Soledad S. Escritor J.D.

Introduction:
Religion is a form of worship. It includes a system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and
practices; these may be personal, or they may be advocated by an organization.
Usually, religion involves belief in God or a number of gods; or it treats human
objects, desires, or forces as objects of worship. Much religion is based on a
human study of nature; there is also revealed religion. There is a true religion and
false.
Learning Objectives

At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:

1. Determine the meaning of religion.

2. Understand people’s different problems and point out how to solve them.
3. Grasp the significance of the Bible’s viewpoints.

Pre-Assessment:

Direction: How much do you know about God? The Bible reveals who He is. Read
the following Bible verses below and find out what they say about Him or His
character. On the numbered spaces provided below, enumerate what you
found out about God.

Bible Verses:
DR. FILEMON C. AGUILAR MEMORIAL COLLEGE OF LAS PIÑAS
Golden Gate Subd., Talon III, Las Piñas City
Tel No. 403-1985, 478-8671, 519-1960

1. John 4:24 6. Psalm 86:15 11. Psalm 90:2 16.

Psalm 147:5
2. Revelation 4:11 7. 1 Chronicles 29: 11-12 12. Matthew 19:26 17.
Psalm 89:14
3. Psalm 34:8 8. 1 Timothy 1:11 13. Malachi 3:6 18.
Proverbs 15:
4. Psalm 83:18 9. Ephesians 1:6 14. Jeremiah 32:27 19.
Psalm 86:15
5. Leviticus 19:2 10. Jeremiah 23:23-24 15. 1 John 4:8 20.
Isaiah 40:28

GOD IS…

________ 11. _______

________ 12. _______

________ 13. _______
________ 14. _______
________ 15. _______
________ 16. _______
________ 17. _______
________ 18. _______
________ 19. _______
________ 20. _______
 DR. FILEMON C. AGUILAR MEMORIAL COLLEGE OF LAS PIÑAS
Golden Gate Subd., Talon III, Las Piñas City
Tel No. 403-1985, 478-8671, 519-1960

Lesson Presentation:

We are living in a world with too

many problems and far too few
answers. Many millions regularly go
hungry. Increasing numbers are
addicted to drugs. More and more
families are breaking up. Incest and
family violence are constantly in the
news. The air we breathe and the
water we drink are slowly being
poisoned. Meanwhile, more and
more of us are victimized by crime. Do you think problems like these will ever be
solved?

Why Read the Bible? In addition, we live in an age of hard choices. Many, for
example, are implacably opposed to abortion, calling it murder of the unborn.
Others feel just as strongly that women have authority over their own bodies and
should decide such a matter for themselves. Many views homosexuality, adultery,
and premarital sex as rank immorality. Others believe these practices are a matter
of personal choice.

Who is to say who is right and who is wrong? 2 Thessalonians 6:15 The Bible offers
guidance in matters of morality, and it describes effective solutions to the
problems of crime, hunger, and pollution. The trouble is most people no longer
view the Bible as an authority in such matters. At one time, it was listened to with
respect — at least in the West. Although the Bible was written down by humans, in
the past the majority in Christendom accepted it as the Words of God and
believed that God himself has inspired its contents. 2 Tim.3:16-17; 1 Thess. 2:13.

Today, however, it is fashionable to be skeptical about everything: customs, ideas,

morals even the existence of God. Especially, people doubt the value of the
Bible. Most seem to consider it out of date and irrelevant. Few modern
intellectuals view it as the Word of God. Most people would rather agree with
scholar James Barr, who wrote, “My account of the formation of the biblical
tradition is an account of human work. It is man’s statement of his beliefs.” Is this
your opinion? Do you think the Bible is God’s word or man’s? However, you
 DR. FILEMON C. AGUILAR MEMORIAL COLLEGE OF LAS PIÑAS
Golden Gate Subd., Talon III, Las Piñas City
Tel No. 403-1985, 478-8671, 519-1960

answer that question, consider this point: If the Bible is merely man’s word, then,
logically there is no clear answer to mankind’s problems. Humans will just have to
muddle through as best they can, hoping somehow to avoid poisoning
themselves out of existence or blowing themselves up in a nuclear war. But, if the
Bible is the Word of God, it is the very thing we need to get us through this difficult
time.
Reinforcement/Assignment:

Essay - Answer in 3 to 5 sentences.

1. What modern problems show that mankind needs guidance?

2. How do many today view the Bible?
3. Why is it vital to know whether the Bible is inspired by God or not?

References:

Bible, any translation Reasoning from the Scriptures, Religion p. 322 Copyright (c)
1985 by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, International Bible Students
Association, Brooklyn, New York, USA The Bible God’s Word or Man’s, 1989,
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., Brooklyn, New York, USA
Mankinds Search for God, 1990, Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of
Pennsylvania, All rights reserved