There are three types of religion orientations; prophetic, sacramental and mystical orientations. They are found in all world’s major religions and can either dominate or just be a part of it (Molloy, 2010). Sacramental orientation highlights resonating ritual and religious ceremonies that are conducted by certain religions. It is found in Christianity, Roman Catholicism and Buddhism. Sacramental orientation teaches that one has to perform certain rituals and ceremonies in order to be on the correct path of salvation. It is based on performing rituals. An example is when Christian churches hold sacrament for its members; it is a sign of faith renewal in God and a remembrance of how Jesus sacrificed his life for them to be saved.
Prophetic orientation is an orientation that teaches believers that contact with the divine can only be achieved by following a moral code without deviation. It is found in protestant Christians, Islam and Judaism. In prophetic orientation, it is through a spoken word by a prophet to a believer on behalf of the sacred and the believer. The prophesy comes through an intermediary between the sacred and the believer. Prophetic orientation emphasizes that a contact with the sacred can only be reached by proper adherence to the set moral rules and proper belief in the sacred. It emphasizes obedience to the sacred. An example is whereby prophets and ministers can be seen in crusades or watched on television speaking to individuals on behalf of the sacred. In prophetic religious orientation, believers need a middleman or intermediary to connect them with the sacred.
Mystical orientation is very prominent in Daoism, Buddhism and certain Hinduism known as Upadishadic Hinduism. It deals with magic and magicians which makes it a mystery. Mystical religion orientation focuses on direct participation and experience with ultimate reality through magic. Sacramental, mystical and prophetic orientations of religions may be dominant in certain religions but yet two can be found in the same religion but considered to different purposes. Sacramental deals with rituals and ceremonies, prophetic deals with moral codes and mystical focuses on magic and mystery (Molloy, 2010).
Reference
Molloy, M. (2010). Experiencing the World’s Religions. Tradition, Challenge, and Change. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.
