Religion has different definitions as seen through a variety of perspectives. It is the belief in the supernatural and the worship of a god. In my religious behavior, several symbols, supernatural beings, sacred stories, forces and places hold meaning. One of the supernatural forces that hold a meaning includes ghosts. This is a belief that the spirit or the soul of a dead human being can appear in different manifestations, some of them visible, to the living. This is a belief that is very significant, because at times, ghosts have been claimed to seek retribution for wrongs in earlier life by possessing perpetrators. Narratives of ghosts possessing and speaking through human bodies are particularly significant. Religious lessons can be drawn from these narratives (Spradley & McCurdy 262).
Rituals are core to religious practices. They are used during worship or communication with supernatural deities. During worship, I look into the open space, preferably the sky as I belief that the supernatural deities are free is space. I also bow my head from time to time as a sign of adoration and respect. In instances where I am intervening on behalf of something, it is a ritual for me to hold the said object or its symbol in my hands. My belief is that holding the object or its symbol in my hands narrows the focus and communicates my need with regard to the particular request to the supernatural forces (Spradley & McCurdy 268).
Religion has different functions as proposed by different theorists. Many a times, these functions are basically similar, and only different in terms of scope. Some of the functions that are significant in my relationship include the provision of cohesion in the society through common taboos, rituals and practices. These common elements help create solidarity among the members of the community. Another significant function is the provision of social control by enforcing norms, morals and taboos that are based on religion. Through the enforcement of these morals, taboos and norms, control is achieved in the society. This also improves social cohesion by a way of living by common standards. Religion also helps find the purpose and meaning to life. This is by offering practical answers to existential questions (Spradley & McCurdy 258).
Religious beliefs can be learnt through a number of ways. My culture had a significant influence on the religious beliefs and practices that I hold today. The primary culture to which I was exposed helped define the supernatural forces to which we worshiped. My culture also defined the morals, taboos and rituals in line with the popular religion. The structures of culture aided my learning as they provided incentives and motivations as well as punishment for deviations. Education also played a significant role. Through formal and informal education, I learnt the significance of religion, its various elements, beliefs and practices. The understanding gained helped cement my belief in supernatural forces. The benefits that I derived from understanding religion also motivated me to further learn about religion.
Religion is an integral part of culture. In order to understand the cultural variations that exist between different people, it is important to focus on religion as one of the domains. This is because religion is very influential in determining how people are, their customs, beliefs and practices. It is also important to not only define religion specifically, but also broadly. As highlighted earlier, religion assumes different definitions depending in the perspectives being considered. In its broad or specific definition, religion has a lot of significance in the cultural variations of individuals.
Works cited
Spradley, James & McCurdy, David. Conformity and Conflict: Readings in Cultural Anthropology. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Pearson, 2012. Print.
