PRESBYTERIAN THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE

6200 Cantil-e Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines

Tel. No. (035) 421-2754, (035) 522-7647
Email: ptcmission@yahoo.com.ph

INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE
Subject: Religion, Religious Experiences and Spirituality
Course Code: GE 9

PART I: PRELIM

I. Introduction

“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only
because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”
― C.S. Lewis

II. Definitions

1. Religion is a set of organized beliefs, practices, and systems that most often
relate to belief and worship of a controlling force such as a personal God or
another supernatural being. 1

2. Religion often involves cultural beliefs, worldviews, texts, prophecies,

revelations, and morals that have spiritual meaning to members of the
particular faith, and it can encompass a range of practices including
sermons, rituals, prayer, meditation, holy places, symbols, trances, and
feasts.

3. Religion is belief in a god or gods and the activities that are connected with
this belief, such as praying or worshipping in a building such as a church
or temple.

III. Functions of Religion

Major Functions

1. Religion gives meaning and purpose to life.

  Many things in life are difficult to understand. That was certainly
true, as we have seen, in prehistoric times, but even in today’s
highly scientific age, much of life and death remains a mystery, and
religious faith and belief help many people make sense of the things
science cannot tell us.
2. Reinforces social unity and stability
 it gives people a common set of beliefs and thus is an important
agent of socialization
 the communal practice of religion, as in houses of worship,
brings people together physically, facilitates their communication
and other social interaction, and thus strengthens their social
bonds.
3. An agent of social control and thus strengthens social order.
- Religion teaches people moral behavior and thus helps them learn how
to be good members of society. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, the Ten
Commandments are perhaps the most famous set of rules for moral
behavior.

4. Provides greater psychological and physical well-being.

 Religious faith and practice can enhance psychological well-being by
being a source of comfort to people in times of distress and by
enhancing their social interaction with others in places of worship.
 Many studies find that people of all ages, not just the elderly, are
happier and more satisfied with their lives if they are religious.
 Religiosity also apparently promotes better physical health, and
some studies even find that religious people tend to live longer than
those who are not religious (Moberg, 2008). We return to this
function later.
5. Motivate people to work for positive social change
 Some historical changes are motivated by religious group.
 Religious beliefs motivated Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil
rights activists to risk their lives to desegregate the South.
 Black churches in the South also served as settings in which the civil
rights movement held meetings, recruited new members, and raised
money (Morris, 1984).

Other Functions of Religion

1) Close the gap between hope and reality (e.g., the final victory over death, evil,
etc., is in heaven).

2) Make virtue out of social necessity (encouraging and requiring the individual
to sacrifice for others, ego surrender where the functioning of society conflicts
with the functioning of the individual).

3) Support and console individuals and groups.

4) Enhance social stability through projecting sacredness upon social norms, and
through the creation of authoritative sources of opinion regarding moral
matters--the "priestly function" of religion.

5) Promote social change when religion conflicts with the prevailing order of
society, through social criticism and prophecy--the "prophetic function" of
religion.

6) Provide a source of personal identity in pluralistic societies afflicted with

anomie.

7) Facilitate personal growth and maturation, as they are conceptualized by the

religion.

8) Adjust individuals to the life cycle of changing social status.

9) Rationalize social, political, and economic inequality, reducing conflict in

stratified societies.

Negative Functions of Religion

1) Excessive guilt and repression—causing individuals to suffer emotionally for

failure to live up to religious ideals.

2) Authoritarianism—supporting oppressive authority in society.

3) Self-mortification—inducing people to endure physical suffering

unnecessarily or to cause themselves to suffer deliberately for religious reasons.

4) Ethnocentrism—causing people to have narrow, culturally centered

perceptions of other groups, arming them with absolute convictions that can
justify repression and violence toward them.
5) Promotes intergroup conflict—by causing individuals to feel
urgent about exporting their religion, and to feel offended by the
religions of other peoples.

6) Rationalizes social, political, and economic inequality, preventing social

change necessary to reduce social conflict.

IV. Religion and Its Characteristics

1. Soteriological-explain and emphasize life after death and eternity

2. Theological-emphasize the study of God
3. Anthropological-explains man and his relationship to divine Being.
4. Ethical- religious experiences are guided by sets of ethical and moral
standards
5. Cosmological- emphasize the creation, universe, and origin of creatures.
6. Historical- religions played major part in history. The appearance of
Christianity plays a major threat in the ancient Greek-Roman Empire.
7. Cultural- Religious practices provides various cultures that was practice
and perform in every group.

V. Commonly Used Religious Terms

1. AD- Meaning “anno domini”, the year of the Lord. Used to describe
chronology since the birth of Jesus Christ.

2. Allah- Arabic word meaning “the One True God”. In the West, “Allah”
and “God” are often used interchangeably.

3. Anti-Semitism- Hatred or persecution of, prejudice or discrimination

against Jews or Judaism.

4. Apocalypse-Destruction of evil and triumph of good.

5. Armageddon- Prophesised as a final battle between Jesus, Satan and

their armies.

6. Baptism- A rite of Christianity performed by a member of the clergy

and used as an initiation into the Church. The age at which a
Baptism is performed may differ in different denominations, as may
 the method of using water (sprinkling on the head or full body
immersion).

7. Bar Mitzvah- A ceremony for Jewish boys who, at the age of 13, are
considered religiously responsible.

8. Bat Mitzvah- A ceremony for Jewish girls who, at the age of 12, are
considered religiously responsible.

9. Bhagavad-Gita- “The Song of the Lord”, a holy text used in Hinduism.

10. Bible- The holy text used by Christians. Made up of the Old Testament
and the New Testament.

11. Blasphemy- Concept of acting against God, such as by taking his name
in vain or denying his existence.

12. Buddhist- A follower of Buddhism, the teachings and philosophy of

Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha.

13. Catholic- Most commonly refers to members of the Roman Catholic

Church.

14. Chanukkah- Jewish Festival of Lights, commemorating the miracle at a

the Temple in Jerusalem when a small quantity of oil burned for
eight days and nights. Also spelled Hanukkah.

15. Christian- A member of a Christian church or, more broadly, a person

who accepts Jesus as the Christ and follows his teachings.

16. Communion- A Christian rite which involves sharing bread and wine
as a commemoration of Jesus’ last meal and/or the body and blood
of Christ.

17. Denomination- A recognised religious group.

18. Easter- A Christian holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus.

19. Eucharist- Another term for “Communion”.

20. Heaven- Christian term for the home of God.

21. Hijab- The scarf that many Muslim women wear to cover their hair.

22. Hindu- A follower of Hinduism, including the yogic traditions, the

predominant religious system in India.

23. Iman- A Muslim term for “belief”.

24. Imam-A Muslim term for the leader of worship in a mosque.

25. Islam- A religion which considers the Koran the literal word of
Allah/God, and Muhammad the last Prophet.

26. Koran- The holy test of Islam, considered to be the literal word of
Allah/God, also spelled Qur’an or Quran. Transmitted to
Muhammad by the archangel Gabriel.

27. Mosque- Muslim house of worship, also known as a “Masjid”.

28. Muslim- A follower of Islam.

29. Nirvana-Buddhist term for a state of mind in which suffering has

ceased and the cycle of birth, death and rebirth has stopped.

30. Paradise- Muslim term for the home of God, or Heaven.

31. Priest- Term for a religious leader in Christianity, Hinduism and more.
Usually male.

32. Protestant- A Christian denomination which is not Roman Catholic,

Anglican or Eastern Orthodox.

33. Rabbi- Leader of a Jewish synagogue.

34. Ramadan- A Muslim commemoration of the communication of the

Koran to Muhhamad. Muslims observe this 28 day period by fasting
before sundown.

35. Religion-A system of belief regarding a deity. Usually with

accompanying ethics, rituals and ceremonies.
 36. Sabbath- A day of rest and contemplation. Observed on Saturday in
Judaism and Sunday in Christianity.

37. Satan- A supernatural being believed to be pure evil. Also known as

the Devil or Lucifer.

38. Synagogue- A Jewish house of worship.

39. Talmud- Hebrew translation of “teaching”. Assembled Jewish oral law

and tradition.

40. Torah- Jewish holy text, the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures
(Old Testament) believed to have been written by Moses.

41. Trinity- Christian belief that God is composed of three beings at once:
Father, Son, Holy Spirit.

VI. Example of Major Religions around the world

There are countless religions in the world, with most religions having sub-sects
within them. Generally speaking, all religions attempt to help people make sense
of their purpose and existence in this world, explain what occurs in the afterlife,
and declare whether or not there is a deity, and if so, how we relate to this deity.

1. Roman Catholicism and Christianity

There are approximately 1.2 billion professed Roman Catholics worldwide.

Though the Roman Catholic Church has always been identified with
Christianity, there are clear and fundamental differences between the two.
Roman Catholics generally identify themselves as Christians, but for the
purposes of distinguishing the two divisions of the Christian faith, adherents of
Roman Catholicism are referred to as Catholics, while non-Catholic adherents of
the Christian faith are referred to as Christians. There are approximately 900
million people worldwide who profess to be non-Catholic Christians. The name
Christian is derived from the fact that the early followers of Jesus of Nazareth
were called Christians (Acts 11:26), which means literally “little Christs.” Christ
is the Greek word for the Hebrew Messiah, the “anointed one.” Although

Christians frequently identify with particular denominations such as Baptists,

Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Pentecostals, and Nazarenes, they also
universally claim the name “Christian” for themselves. Christianity is oftentimes
collectively called “the Church.” This is an indistinct term in that it is also the
word used for local congregations and buildings as well as for specific
denominations.

2. Islam
The word Islam literally means “submission,” and, as such, a Muslim is “one
who submits to God.” Islam is based primarily on the writings of Mohammad, as
recorded in the Qur'an. There are about 1.3 billion Muslims in the world today.
Islam is represented all over the world. Though mostly associated with the
Middle East, the largest Muslim populations are in Asia. Indonesia, Malaysia,
Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India have sizable Muslim populations.

3. Hinduism
Hinduism is a word created by the Western world to encompass the dominant
religious and social system of India. Traditionally, those we call Hindus refer to
their religion as the dharma, which means “the way” or “the religion.” There are
approximately 900 million Hindus in the world. Obviously, the greatest number
of Hindus is located in India. Since Indians have emigrated all over the world,
however, there are many Hindu communities in other countries. The total
number of Hindus in India is subject to some controversy because it includes up
to 300 million “untouchables” (dalits), who are officially counted as a part of the
Hindu social structure but who are prevented from fully participating in
Hinduism.

4. Buddhism
Buddhism is based on the teachings of the person called the Buddha, which
means “enlightened one.” This religion has many different branches, but
Buddhism is the only appropriate all-encompassing term, and its adherents, no
matter how divergent in their beliefs, are happy to be known as Buddhists.
Buddhism has about 360 million followers, placing it fourth, behind Christianity,
Islam, and Hinduism. Buddhism originated in India. It is dominant in its more
traditional forms in Sri Lanka and much of Southeast Asia (Thailand, Myanmar,
Laos, and Cambodia). Additionally, it has taken on various forms in many other
Asian countries, most notably Tibet, Korea, China, and Japan. Today Buddhism
is frequently adapted and adopted by Westerners, though often at the expense of
faithfulness to the traditional forms of this religion.

5. Judaism
The word Judaism comes from the name of the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve
ancient tribes of Israel. So, literally, it is the religion of those who come from the
tribe of Judah, who are (in English) called the Jews. However, being Jewish refers
to an ethnic identity as well as a faith, and nowadays there are many Jews who
do not practice the Jewish faith, even though they are happy to be known as Jews
ethnically and culturally. It is estimated that there are about 15 million religious
Jews in the world today, but many others do not practice any religion.

6. Baha’i
The term Baha'i literally means a “follower of Baha,” referring to Baha'ullah, the
founder of the religion. Baha'i has more than seven million members. Originating
in Iran, Baha’i is represented in over 200 countries in the world, behind only
Christianity and Islam.

VII. Sacred Religious Writings

1. Bible- refers as Scripture in ancient world known to be the basis of faith

and practices of Christianity and Historical Judaism.
2. Quran- also read as Koran is the central religious text of Islam, believed by
Muslims to be revelation from God. (Allah)
3. Veda- the central scripture of Hindusim

PART II: MIDTERM

I. Religious Experiences of Christianity

1. Predestination- a doctrine of Christianity that emphasize the
sovereignty of God and His foreknowledge of salvation.
2. Election- emphasize mans state as elected by God before the
foundation of the world.
3. Regeneration- the state of being “born again” of a person under the
work of the Holy Spirit.
4. Redemption- emphasize the redemptive work of Jesus Christ at the
cross for the redemption or salvation of human race.
5. Justification-it is a state of a person declared as “righteous or
justified” based on the merit of Christ substitutionary death.
6. Adoption- a state of a believer being adopted as children of God
rather than children of wrath. All believers adopted as children of
God enjoys the blessings of the Heavily father.
7. Sanctification- the state of being separated or set apart for a special
purpose. In this, believers are separated from non-believers while in
the world.
 8. Glorification-the state of believers that enjoys eternal blessing in
eternity leaving the early human body and transformed into
uncorruptible body in heaven.

II. 10 Examples of Religious Experience and Spirituality that emphasize

trusting God in Difficult Times from the Christianity.

1. Deborah: Trusting God through the demands of life

2. Zechariah & Elizabeth: Trusting God when a longing is unfulfilled
3. Isaiah: trusting God through bad news
4. Woman healed by Jesus: trusting God is taking risks despite the pain
5. Moses: trusting God when there is no way out
6. David: trusting God when life is not how you pictured it
7. Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego: trusting God no matter the outcome
8. Naomi and Ruth: Trusting God when you feel alone
9. Jacob: Trusting God when you’ve messed up
10. Esther: Trusting God to act even when you’re afraid

III. Commonly ask questions regarding religions and spirituality.

1. What is the difference between religion and spirituality?

2. What is Christian spirituality?
3. Is Catholicism false religion?
4. How is Christian religion different from any other religion?
5. Why should I believe in organized religion?
6. What is pure and undefiled religion? (James 1:27)
7. What was Abraham’s religion before God called him?
8. What is definition of religion?
9. What does the Bible say about religion?
10. Are all religions the same?
11. Is atheism a religion?
12. What religion was Jesus?
13. Is Christianity a religion or relationship?

PART III. FINAL

I. Spirituality

1. Spirituality is the broad concept of a belief in something beyond the self.

2. It may involve religious traditions centering on the belief in a higher
power, but it can also involve a holistic belief in an individual connection
to others and to the world as a whole.
3. Spirituality and religious activity have been a source of comfort and relief
from stress for multitudes of people.

II. Spiritual experience

1. Spiritual experience is not the sole property of the Christian faith.

2. It is a phenomenon that is not only found in other religions but in all walks
of life.
3. A spiritual experience may include various forms of religiousness, but a
spiritual experience is not necessarily the result of religiousness. For some
a spiritual experience is an inward discovery of the inner “self”, an
opportunity to get in touch with the core of their existence.
4. Spiritual experience means transcending the physical reality and contact
between the self and divinity, ultimate reality or a supreme being.

III. Signs of Spirituality

1. Asking deep questions about topics such as suffering and what

happens after death
2. Deepening connections with other people
3. Experiencing compassion and empathy for others
4. Experiencing feelings of interconnectedness
5. Feelings of awe and wonder
6. Seeking happiness beyond material possessions or other external
rewards
7. Seeking meaning and purpose
8. Wanting to make the world a better place

IV. Impacts of Religion and Spirituality

1. Personal Life- motivate, inspire, and challenge individuals to pursue

higher and deep goals in life
2. Marriage- emphasize holy matrimony as plan and purpose by God.
3. Culture- an agent of transforming culture emphasizing moral and positive
virtues
4. Work Ethics- allows individual to work in their profession religiously
promoting excellence and characterization of good traits.
5. Education-emphasize that all learning, knowledge, and wisdom comes
from God.
6. Others

V. Signs of A Spiritual Person

A. Major Characteristics
`1. The spiritual man places greater importance on his inward state than on
his physical conditions.
2. The spiritual man understands that adverse circumstances are part of
the training of an inward man.
3. The spiritual man places his time and energy in those things which are
not seen
4. The spiritual man recognizes that spirituality is not attained by the
efforts of a natural man

B. Some specific marks of a spiritual Person

1. The spiritual man manifests a spirit of hunger for the word of God
2. The spiritual man manifests a spirit of dependency and prayer
3. The spiritual man manifests a spirit of humility and obedience
4. The spiritual man manifests a spirit compassion for the lost.
5. The spiritual man manifests a spirit of forgiveness and longsuffering
toward those who have treated wrongfully
6. The spiritual man manifests a spirit of love toward the unlovely
7. The spiritual man manifests a spirit of endurance and faithfulness

VI. Spiritual values every religious man possess

1. Benevolence
2. Charity
3. Dignity
4. Forbearance
5. Hope
6. humility
7. Kindness
8. Loving
9. modesty
10. Peace
 11. perseverance
12. Piety
13. repentance
14. Righteous
15. Sacredness
16. Sincerity
17. Steadfastness
18. Striving
19. Trusting
20. Truthfulness
21. Unity
22. Wisdom

VII. Questions regarding Christian religious experiences

1. What is the key to living a victorious Christian life?
2. What is the Christian life supposed to be like? How is the Christian
life different from a non-Christian life?
3. What is a Christian life coach, and is the concept biblical? Is there
anything wrong with hiring a Christian life coach?
4. Why should I become a Christian? Why should I consider becoming
a Christian? Why should I be a Christian?
5. Is the Christian life supposed to be boring? Aren’t Christians
restricted from doing anything fun?
6. I’m young. How can I live the Christian life? In what ways is the
Christian life particularly challenging for young people?
7. How can I experience joy in my Christian life? How can I get excited
about living my life for Jesus?
8. Is it wrong to be a Christian secretly in order to preserve your own
life? Is it wrong to keep your faith in Christ a secret?
9. How can I overcome sin in my Christian life? What are the keys to
victory over sin?
10. What is the Christian walk? What does it mean to walk in faith?
How should the Christian walk be different?

VIII. Christian Message that is foundational in spending eternity with

God

The Bible presents a clear path to eternal life.

First, we must recognize that we have sinned against God: "For all have sinned
and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). We have all done things that
are displeasing to God, which makes us deserving of punishment.

Since all our sins are ultimately against an eternal God, only an eternal
punishment is sufficient. "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal
life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

However, Jesus Christ, the sinless (1 Peter 2:22), eternal Son of God became a
man (John 1:1,14) and died to pay our penalty. "God demonstrates His love for
us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Jesus
Christ died on the cross (John 19:31-42), taking the punishment that we deserve
(2 Corinthians 5:21). Three days later He rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-
4), proving His victory over sin and death. "In His great mercy He has given us
new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the
dead" (1 Peter 1:3).

By faith, we must change our mindset regarding Christ - who He is, what He
did, and why - for salvation (Acts 3:19). If we place our faith in Him, trusting His
death on the cross to pay for our sins, we will be forgiven and receive the
promise of eternal life in heaven. "For God so loved the world that He gave His
one and only Son so that anyone who believes in Him will not perish but have
eternal life" (John 3:16). "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and
believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved"
(Romans 10:9). Faith alone in the finished work of Christ on the cross is the only
true path to eternal life! "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -
and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can
boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).

If you want to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, here is a sample prayer.
Remember, saying this prayer or any other prayer will not save you. It is only
trusting in Christ that can save you from sin. This prayer is simply a way to
express to God your faith in Him and thank Him for providing for your
salvation.

"God, I know that I have sinned against you and deserve punishment. But Jesus Christ
took the punishment that I deserve so that through faith in Him I could be forgiven. I
place my trust in You for salvation. Thank You for Your wonderful grace and
forgiveness - the gift of eternal life! Amen!"
Have you made a decision for Christ because of what you have read here?

IX. Ways to Grow Deeper Spiritually

1. Choose to receive Christ as Savior and Lord of Our Lives

2. Pray
3. Read God’s Word
4. Worship and Praise Him
5. Fellowship With Other Believers
6. Serve Others
7. Be ruthless about sin
8. Walk in the Spirit
9. Believe that the Hard times bring greater good
10. Put on the Armor of God

Prepared by:

MICHAEL ANTHONY A. GAMALA

Student, AB-Theology

References:

https://www.verywellmind.com/religion-improves-health-2224007

https://www.google.com/search?
q=functions+of+religions&rlz=1C1CHBF_enPH921PH921&oq=functions+of+reli
gions&aqs=chrome..69i57.6344j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

https://www.learnreligions.com/defining-the-characteristics-of-religion-250679

http://www.aboutequalopportunities.co.uk/common-religious-terms.html

http://faculty.smcm.edu/ccraney/restricted/PDF/
Basic_Characteristics_Relig.pdf

http://www.scielo.org.za/pdf/at/v28s11/08.pdf

https://www.verywellmind.com/how-spirituality-can-benefit-mental-and-
physical-health-3144807
https://www.gotquestions.org/eternal-life.html

https://deepspirituality.com/trusting-god-in-difficult-times/