Religions: Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common definitions of religion?

There is a wide range of definitions offered on religion. Here are a few:

“Religion: Human beings’ relation to that which they regard as holy, sacred, spiritual, or divine.” (The Encyclopedia Britannica, online, 2006)

“Religion: (2) a personal set or institutionalized system of religions attitudes, beliefs, and practices; (4) a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith.” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, online 2006)

“Religion is the human attitude towards a sacred order that includes within it all being—human or otherwise—i.e., belief in a cosmos, the meaning of which both includes and transcends man.” (Peter Berger)

This link will show you many more definitions of religion:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&defl=en&q=define:religion&sa=X&ei=wMc0Td6VCsHngQfk_OjkCw&ved=0CBwQkAE

Why learn about other religions?

When we gain insight into factors that motivate other peoples’ actions, or when we understand more fully how another person’s beliefs or how he or she might view a situation, we gain new eyes ourselves. The new eyes that we acquire not only help us to see how others live, but it also helps us stand aside for a moment from our own beliefs and examine them more objectively.

Studying and learning about other religions helps us develop a unique combination of skills, including direct observation, critical thinking, and cross-cultural understanding. These skills we can then put to practice in other subjects that we might study.

In a pluralistic world (a world where there are lots of different beliefs and religions), learning about faith traditions other than our own helps us understand the world around us so that we can engage our own cultural contexts at a deeper and more meaningful level, and can be open to interacting effectively with those different than us.

What do religions say about suffering?

Different religions have different understandings of suffering.

Buddhism: According to the first two Noble Truths of Buddhism suffering is caused by attachments to worldly things, often in the form of greed, ignorance and hatred. Overcoming suffering is related to overcoming attachment to these things.

Christianity:
Some Christians see suffering as God’s punishment of sinful people or the world as a whole. Others believe that God allows suffering so that believers can experience trust in God, and to develop endurance, hope and strong character. Overcoming suffering may not be the goal in Christianity as much as trusting that God is present within sufferings.

Hinduism:
Many Hindus view suffering as punishment for misdeeds committed in this lifetime or past lives. Overcoming suffering is part of a cycle of many lifetimes where a person learns to live with more compassion.

Islam:
The word “Islam” is sometimes translated as “submission.” Many Muslims understand that to include suffering–enduring pain or loss is a way of submitting to the will of Allah.. Many Muslims believe suffering and adversity strengthen one’s faith.

If religion is supposed to promote peace, why does it often incite violence?

Religion can evoke strong feelings in believers. Many religious texts indicate that there is only one true religion, and that those who do not follow that religion are subject to negative consequences. War, terrorism, discrimination, prejudice, crusades, genocide, slavery, race discrimination, military jihad—all of these realities and more—have been executed in the name of religion.

Religious violence is often linked to complex cultural factors such as nationalism, race relations, inter-ethnic histories, political power and fundamentalist interpretation of holy writings. At the root of religious violence is intolerance: intolerance of other races, religions, cultures and beliefs.

Despite the history of violence associated with religions, the major teachings of most religions have to do with peace and harmony. Viewing the goals of the World Council of Churches Decade to Overcome Non-Violence may give you an idea of some of the deep-seated and complex issues surrounding religious violence, and one organization’s attempt to address it: http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/documents/assembly/porto-alegre-2006/3-preparatory-and-background-documents/mid-term-of-the-ecumenical-decade-to-overcome-violence-2001-2010.html

Are angels real? What are they?

Angels exist in several different religions, usually as supernatural (not human) beings who serve as bridges between human beings and the spiritual world, or, God.

In Judaism, angels, or malachim, serve as God’s messengers and “workers” on earth. An angel stopped Abraham just as he was about to kill his beloved son as a sacrifice to God. The angel Michael is considered a guardian and protector of the people of Israel.

In the Christian Bible, angels were central to key events in the life of the people. The angel Gabriel appeared to the virgin Mary and told her of how she was chosen by God to give birth to his son Jesus, who Christians believe is the savior of humankind. Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead was announced by angels.

One of the basic articles of the Islamic faith is the “belief in angels.” Muslims believe that each person is assigned four angels, Malaa’ika, (“messengers”) who make note of good and bad actions They also assign souls to newborns and are responsible for taking care of the environment.

Hindus, Zoroastrians and followers of the Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) also believe that angels announce messages from the spiritual world, and/or protect us from harm.