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Why knowing about world religion is significant
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Abstract
Ever since man began to socialize, religion has been an indispensable part of his life. The early civilisations regarded Nature to be God and worshipped it. The very motive of religion was to lead the people towards a righteous life and promote the significance of the Almighty. Gradually, religions grew to be a strict and distinct culture in their own. The older religions like Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity have survived over ages and are still growing. But the 19th century saw the emergence of several new religions. This essay illuminates the significance of religion and its scope along with a contrast between two prominent religions namely Hinduism and Scientology which represent older and newer religions repectively. Also, the various aspects of religion which matter for the betterment of future have been discussed.
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Introduction: Significance of religions and its History
A religion is a collection of beliefs, customs and points of view regarding the spiritual and sometimes moral values (Shouler, 2012). Every religion has its own set of values. While Jesus Christ is the central figure in Christianity, Prophet Mohammed is considered to be the final messenger of God in Islam. Hindus believe in polytheism but Islam is monotheistic. Buddhism does not focus on a particular form of God but attainment of knowledge and supreme salvation. And Scientology considers people to be immortal beings who have forgotten their nature (Neusner, 2003). When compared logically, each religion was aimed to bring peace and wisdom. No religion teaches to be sinful. Hinduism is one of the oldest religions and date back to 5500 BCE (‘Hindu History’). The Abrahamic religions namely Judaism, Christianity and Islam came later. Buddhism too traces back to 6th to 4th century BCE (‘Buddhism’, 2009). Gradually, some more religions emerged.
Question 1: Comparison/contrast between an old and new religion
with the example of Hinduism and Scientology
Hinduism and Scientology are quite dissimilar in set of beliefs and customs. As told earlier too, Hinduism has been prevailing for thousands of years. But Scientology was accepted as a religion in 1950’s only (Melton, 1992). Developed by L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology believes that people are immortal beings who have forgotten their true nature. The method of spiritual rehabilitation in this newer religion is known as auditing which involves to consciously re-experience the negative events of past to strengthen the mind and body. It believes that the reactive mind which absorbs all the pain can be overpowered by a clear state of mind through the process of auditing (Melton, 2000). But Hinduism is different. It regards
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man to be mortal and soul to be immortal. A soul, like energy, is never destroyed and only changes body. A righteous living can strengthen the mind and body in Hinduism, not re-experiencing pain. While Scientology assumes that it approaches well-being scientifically through a powerful method of self-help, Hinduism believes in the significance of karma and dharma. There are numerous deities worshipped in Hindu culture among who Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are the Supreme along with Goddess Durga or Shakti. Hindus worship their deities both at home and in temples. But Scientology has no such approach though the Churches of Scientology do exist. However, this newer religion has been a matter of severe condemnation due to its business ventures and recent controversies regarding Hollywood actor Tom Cruise.
Both the religions might aim at improving the lives of their followers but there is vast difference in the beliefs and methods to attain self-realisation.
Question 2: Religious pluralism and interfaith movement and its significance
How it can influence the future of an organised religion?
Religious pluralism is an approach to promote peace between different religious groups by understanding the significances of other religions and accepting it to a part of society (Silk, 2007). It is one of the wisest attitudes which man has shown in decades to encourage peace and humanity. Interfaith movement is also similar as it comprises the dialogue between members of dissimilar religious groups for a better mutual existence of religions in society.
It exhibits the tolerance and a spacious mentality of people who are ready to regard the mutually exclusive beliefs of different religions to be valid.
It is logical to notice that religion has always been aimed to improve the quality of a man’s life spiritually and morally. So, it is reprehensible to disrespect the religious beliefs of others.
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The liberal concepts of religious pluralism and interfaith movement have led a peaceful mutual existence of multiple religions in society. This not only reduces the risks of communal tensions but also promotes unity in a society. An educated and logically sound individual cannot keep the menial differences in mind and start a skirmish in the name of God. Adhering to one’s religion along with tolerating the beliefs of other religious groups is a wise step.
It can influence the future of an organised religion but there is a little chance that the religions will mix and match to produce a new, coherent religion. We are not in dearth of religion but tolerance and peace. Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism and Christianity are growing. These older religions are not weak enough to be overpowered by the newer ones. But one thing is for sure that the religious pluralism and interfaith movement shall augment the quality of religious harmony in the world.
Question 3 World religion and us
In what ways has learning about world religions
influenced the way you think about religion?
Learning about the World religion has given a deep insight into the beliefs and customs which drive the people. We are well-acquainted with what our religion preaches. But when we study about the other religions in depth, it occurs that every religion is based on a sound foundation. When we understand and respect other religions, it does not mean that we are demeaning our own culture or religion. It only means that a person is educated and broad-minded enough to perceive the various religious beliefs prevailing in the World. This again fosters religious pluralism and hence, world peace.
Why is it important to learn about other peoples' beliefs and attitudes?
The customs in one religious group might be offensive to another group. Also, those set of
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beliefs which differentiate two religions must not be debated over unless it is sure to bring out positive repercussions only. If a Christian ridicules polytheism, it might hurt the sentiments of Hindus. Similarly, if a Muslim condemns idol worship, it again might offend several other religious groups. Why should we focus on proving our set of religious beliefs superior to others? So, if a healthy and peaceful social environment is to be maintained, it is better to know some significant data about world religions so that we do not end up begrudging someone.
How will you utilize this information in the future?
I will utilize this information to further understand the significance of World religion. To develop a secular outlook, it is necessary to know about the pillars of other religions. Instead of debating over the superiority, we can try to maintain mutual tolerance and co-existence by studying world religion and practising religious pluralism along with interfaith movement. From school to college and workplace to picnic, it is important to maintain harmony. As religion is a significant aspect of life, knowing about it shall always prove to be beneficial.
Conclusion
Taking inspiration from the concepts like secularism, religious pluralism and tolerance, we should be logical in our outlook. Instead of disrespecting the elements of other religions, we should rather try to be polite enough to promote a healthy communication between people of multifarious religious backgrounds. Be it a newer religion or an older one, let it be confined to improving the quality of our life instead of employing it as a tool to promote violence and variances.
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References
Buddhism". (2009). In Encyclopædia Britannica from Encyclopædia Britannica Online Library Edition. Retrieved November 15, 2012
"Hindu History" The BBC names a bath and phallic symbols of the Harappan civilization as features of the "Prehistoric religion (3000-1000 BCE)".
Kenneth Shouler . 2010.The Everything World's Religions Book: Explore the Beliefs, Traditions and Cultures of Ancient and Modern Religions, page 1
Melton, J. Gordon (1992). Encyclopedic Handbook of Cults in America. New York: Garland Pub. p. 190.
Neusner 2003, p. 227
Silk, Mark (July 2007), Defining Religious Pluralism in America: A Regional Analysis, 612, pp. 64–81
