Summary: characteristic of religion
Chapter one of “Experiencing the world’s Religion” book gives a clear insight of the key characteristics of religion that are clearly analyzed to offer a clear understanding of religion. Religion is among the furthermost efforts of human being applied to answer existential and fundamental questions regarding their existence. Therefore, the comprehension of this eight characteristic are significant in helping an individual to identify him/herself in life.
The eight characteristics of religion are such as Community, Belief system, Characteristic emotional experiences, Central myths, Ethics, Sacredness and Material possession. The chapter provides a clear definition of these characteristic and how they are being applied in various cultures. The interesting thing about these elements is that they are common to all religions all over the world. Although these eight characteristics can be shared with various belief systems, they can make a religion divergent if they are taken together.
In a nut shell, chapter one helps the reader to understand the introduction of religion by outlining and define eight characteristics of religion which are universally accepted. Therefore, in my opinion, religion can be well understood if it is outlined as set of beliefs that are agreeable to every culture in order to satisfy religious wants. This means that all the culture should work with universal or integrated characteristics of religion to be able to thrive, survive and get along in other field such as political aspects. These characteristics can be combined into different belief systems to work effectively.
Summary: indigenous religion
On the other hand, chapter two provides an insight of the indigenous religious. The assumption that indigenous were not complex was a challenge in understanding and studying indigenous religion before 20th century. The chapter also stipulates that human being must be careful to all nature in order to believe that nature is all about spirit. It also outline that indigenous religions provides a little distinction between an ancestor and a god.
In addition the chapter also defines different sacred practices that are performed in the indigenous religious. These sacred practices involves right of passage, practiced by Native American, sacrifices, libation, taboo and divination among others. The chapter goes beyond the traditional issues that connect with the traditions encompassed by different people across the world.
After reading chapter two, I understand that this chapter engages in power photographs and narratives from all parts of the world to convey information about richness and vitality of the world’s indigenous religions. The indigenous religions are seen as an existing cultural fountain that contains concerns patterns of beliefs that are expressed in food, ceremonies, art, architecture, clothing, music, scripture and pilgrimage. I also understand that the chapter gives an insight of the sacred practices that are involved indigenous religion. These practices are performed in different cultures across the world mostly in measure concerning conservation of traditions.
Conclusion
In my perception, the work of Michael Molloy, in the two chapters, gives a clear persuasive account of religion as a varied, lived experience by human being all over the world. The chapters are in a better position to provide a dimensional religions examination that provides skills and intimate experience for students. This importance of these two chapters is that, they provide integrated skills to support nowadays students and gives an insight beyond the characteristic of religion and indigenous religion.
Reference
Michael Molloy, (2010). Experiencing the world's religions: tradition, challenge, and change. New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education
