DepEd Learning Activity Sheet

Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems

Worldview, Belief Systems, and Religions
Quarter 1 Week 1

Background Information for Learners

The lesson will guide you in understanding the relationship of the following concepts
namely; Worldview, Belief Systems and Religion.

The illustration shows the dynamics of worldview, belief system and religion. You must be
aware how these concepts play an important role in your daily life especially in your
relationship with the divine.dreamstime.com

Religion- Etymologically, the word came from “Religare” --- a Latin word which means to bind fast, or hold
together, to secure, to bind, to fasten together, to create a system of attitudes and beliefs.

World View and Belief Systems
Since childbirth there are rules or traditions
that are imposed to you by your parents and society
where you belong. “Do this because this is right.” “Be
good to others!” “Huwag kang gumawa ng masama
kung ayaw mong ma-karma.”. These are simple
reminders of our parents. When you are brought to
the school for your education, same values or beliefs
are being strengthened. In some period in your life
you became a member of a religious organization or
perhaps by tradition. The beliefs and values that you
learned from your parents and school are reinforced
by the teachings of that specific religion. All that you
have learned from your parents,, school, religious
affiliation and other influences became your belief
system and your worldview.
● According to Matt Slick a worldview is a set
of beliefs used to understand the world.
Everyone has a set of principles by which to
judge right and wrong and which guides
them in everyday living. You stop at a red
light and go at a green.
● Google has a simple definition, it says,
“Belief systems are the stories we tell
ourselves to define our personal sense of
‘reality’ (the way things actually exist).
Every human being has a belief system that
he/she utilizes and it is through this
mechanism that we individually “make
sense” of the world around us.”
● Belief system shapes your worldview about
the world, your existence, and relationships
with your fellowmen.
Worldviews about man’s perspective of God
1. Naturalism (e.g. Atheism, Agnosticism,
Existentialism). It denies the existence of God. The
material universe is all that exist.
2. Pantheism ( e.g. Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism;
much New Age Consciousness. They believe that only
the spiritual dimension exists. All else is illusion. Man
is spiritual and eternal.
3. Theism (e.g. Judaism, Christianity, Islam). They
believe that an infinite, personal God exists. God
created the real world. People are created in the
image of God.
4. Spiritism. The world is inhabited by spirit beings
who govern earthly activities. Man is created by gods
like the rest of the creatures on earth. Material things
are real but they have spirits associated with them.
5. Polytheism: This is the belief in many gods or
deities. The culture of Ancient Greeks and Romans
depict this kind of beliefs.
● Worldviews are not all about God, but these
are also about our views about reality, man,
truth and values. There are also economic,
political and social worldviews.
● Worldviews and belief systems are
necessary for religions in order to protect
and spread their own particular belief as a
way of “keeping the faith” through
generations. Catholic Christians keep in their
hearts the “Apostles’ Creed”, the Muslims
practice “The Five Pillars of Islam”, the
Shinto reveres the dead ancestors or “Kami”,
the Confucians hold dearly the necessity of
past traditions, and the Taoists embrace the
importance of being close to
nature.(Cornejo et al, 2019).
● Your beliefs shape your worldviews but your
beliefs and worldviews are oftentimes
shaped by religion. There is a complex
interplay between religion, belief and
worldview. Religions have different
elements and characteristics which are non-
negotiable. Members should follow or
undergo the process to become a genuine
believers.
●
The elements of religions written by Maria Perpetua
Arcilla-Serapio lay-down these basic characteristics at
least for the major religions. They are:
1. Belief in supernatural powers: the power which is
beyond human powers. The human sufferings enable
human being to seek God’s help for their problems.
2. Belief in the holy or sacred: This is the heart of
every religion. Every religion has sacred books or
texts. For example, Scriptures and the Bible are
sacred for the Jews and so with the Christians, Qur’an
for Muslims, and Tripitaka for Buddhists and Vedas
for Hindus. But something sacred is not just books but
also places, symbols, animals, rocks and many more.
Hindus for example believes that cows are sacred
because of their beliefs in reincarnation.
3. Systems of rituals: these are the different ways
each religion expresses their faith. Catholic Christians
have the seven sacraments which include ceremonies
and rituals. For example, Baptism. A child must be
baptized at an early age in the church with the
presence of parents, God parents, priest as celebrator
and the community that supports the child. The most
important symbol of baptism is: –water. It symbolizes
cleansing from sin. The child also has to wear white
dress to symbolize purity.
4. Sinful acts: usually a violation of the laws
established by God which each member has to follow.
For example, the Ten Commandments for Judaism
and Christians and the Five Pillars of Islam which
when violated the believer commits a grievous sin.
5. The Method of salvation: the belief in the afterlife
or the idea of heaven and hell. If you are a good
believer you will go to heaven but if not, you will go
to hell. Islam went further by believing that if one’s
life is sacrificed against the enemies of Islam, their
soul go straight to heaven.
6. Mode of worship: each religion has different
expressions of worship which include praying,
kneeling, dancing, singing to name a few.
7. Liturgy and Ideology: Liturgy is described as public
worship. It is a gathering of believers with ceremonies
such as wedding ceremonies, worship services or
bible studies.
8. Place of worship: Each religion has holy places
which they believe God is present such as churches,
temples, mosques and other sacred places.
● The elements or characteristics of religions
mentioned above are necessary for a
particular religion to perpetuate their
worldviews and belief systems.

Learning Competency: Differentiate the concepts, elements, and characteristics of belief system, world view,
religion, and spirituality
Code: HUMSS_WRB12-I/IIIa-1.1-1.4

Instruction: Read the directions carefully. Use black ink only and red ink in case of highlighting answers.

Activity 1: Direction: In the context of religion, list down ten (10) things that you have believe in by completing the
following statements then answer the question that follows.

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 _________________________________________________________________

Activity 2

Direction: Answer the following questions briefly and concisely.

1. “A worldview is similar to belief system.” Is it true or false? Explain.

2. “I believe, I can fly.” Is this a belief system or not? Explain.
3. How do you call the people who believe in one God?
4. A person who always goes to church on Sunday is a spiritual person. Agree or disagree? Why?
5. Etymologically speaking, where does the word “religion” came from?

References for Learners:

Jose and Ong. Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems. Quezon City: Vibal Group, Inc,.
Ferrer and Solis. Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems- Quarter 1- Module 1

Prepared by:

JAHARAH M. FILIPINO
Subject Teacher