UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF RELIGION

Religion

The relationship between humans and that which they regard as holy, sacred, absolute, divine, or worthy of special reverence. It involves beliefs formed within a specific religious context that provide a framework of connectedness to the divine.

World Religions

Major religions that currently exist or have significantly influenced our worldview and paradigms. They shape how we understand and interpret the world.

Belief

An acceptance that something is true or exists, which may include various non-religious contexts such as political views, belief in science (atheism), superstitions, and horoscopes.

Faith

A deeper level of trust and confidence in a person or thing, often involving surrender of will and reason. In religious contexts, it is known as the “obedience of the faith,” exemplified by Abraham’s trust in God when he was willing to sacrifice Isaac.

Belief System

A set of ideas or principles used to interpret everyday experiences. This can include religious, political, philosophical, or spiritual beliefs. Belief systems are influenced by factors like knowledge, upbringing, and peer pressure and help individuals understand the world and their role in it.

Religious Belief System

A belief system based on a moral code, belief in one or more deities, and the impact of supernatural events on the universe and our lives. It is usually well-defined and associated with specific religious practices.

Spiritual Belief System

A belief system that involves personal beliefs about an afterlife and moral conduct, but is less structured and not tied to a specific church or denomination. It still shapes how individuals perceive the world and interact with others.

Monism

The metaphysical view that all is of one essential essence, substance, or energy, as opposed to dualism (two substances) or pluralism (many substances).

Polytheism

The belief in or worship of more than one god.

Monotheism

The belief in the existence of only one single God.

Atheism

The denial or rejection of the existence of God or gods, and thus a rejection of all religious belief in spiritual beings.

Agnosticism

The view that the existence of ultimate truth, particularly the existence of God, is unknowable.