Introduction to the World Religion and Belief Systems

Nicole Lorraine F. Bovida June 2, 2022

Grade 11-Humility Mr. Norman Vincent Paderes

Religion has been a conflicting issue consuming my thoughts since I have been capable of

independent thought. Growing up, I was only ever introduced to one Religion, Catholicism, as I

have noticed it is a custom for many families. I was born and brought up in a Christian family, and

my parents ensured that I was baptized when I was an infant. To ensure that I grow up as a vibrant

follower of Christ, my family used to tell me various bible stories and the truth about salvation. As

a result, I become curious to know more about the bible and its teachings but it felt wrong to

believe something just because you are told to do so, which is apparent through all of the childhood

myths of Santa Claus and tooth fairies. As a child, I see Religion as somewhat a requirement. My

father has a Religion; my mother has a Religion, and even my siblings do. Almost everyone has a

Religion. It's like you don't belong if you don't have one or if you have a different one among your

peers. We were born in this world with no choice in what family we'll be born into. I learned that

believing in something based on hearsay and faith only leads to disappointment at a very young

age.

When I started to grow, and my mind was developing and curious, I questioned my family's

religious beliefs. Every question I asked was answered routinely with "because it's in the Bible"

and verified by a page number and scripture verse. Of course, that was never good enough for me,

and I wanted more information. My curiosity and logic were the leading factors in my thirst for

knowledge. Many of my questions remain unanswered. To explain my beliefs or desire for beliefs

is complex and possibly confusing. But I learned that you cannot label something as a belief if you
still carry doubts. What I believe without a doubt is that human beings live, age, and die in what

appears to be a perpetual cycle of birth and death. This change cycle indicates time passing, making

time a genuine concept with abstract qualities.

When I got introduced to the world religion and belief system, I learned not just about the

teachings of the bible but also the different Religions, their uniqueness and their similarities, with

the sole purpose of understanding every one of them, for me to respect each other's distinct points

of view.