RELIGION

Current definition of religion especially those of theological character are usually expressed in terms of belief. Sometimes religion is defined in terms of feeling, and sometimes in terms of conduct or conation, but the popular idea is that religion and belief are identical. James Martineau for instance defined religion as the belief in an ever living God that is a Devine mind and will ruling the universe and holding moral relations with mankind; Bishop Buttler, sees religion as the belief in one God or creator and moral Governor of the world and in a future state of retribution implying immorality and many writers among whom is the philosopher Immanuel Kant have made the belief in immortality the soul basis of religion.

Theology however, is not the only science which identifies religion with belief. Looking at the ethnographical side we find the same mistaken conception as a belief. De’ Quatrefages Letourneau, Topinard, Sir, John Lubbock and Prof. E.B. Tylor to mention only a few of these writers all defined religion in terms of belief. Moreso, Mr Herbert Spencer, calls it "an a priori theory of the Universe” bases religion upon the intellectual elements. It should be agreed that knowledge of belief is an element. In religion as a more or less specific beliefs is an in all religion as specific belief-for instance, the belief in God, in immortality , or in spiritual beings-we not only recognize an intellectual element in religion but we make religion synonymous with a particular form of belief.

Religion: human beings’ relation to that which they regard as holy, sacred, absolute, spiritual, divine, or worthy of especial reverence. It is also commonly regarded as consisting of the way people deal with ultimate concerns about their lives and their fate after death. In many traditions, this relation and these concerns are expressed in terms of one’s relationship with or attitude toward gods or spirits; in more humanistic or naturalistic forms of religion, they are expressed in terms of one’s relationship with or attitudes toward the broader human community or the natural world. In many religions, texts are deemed to have scriptural status, and people are esteemed to be invested with spiritual or moral authority. Believers and worshippers participate in and are often enjoined to perform devotional or contemplative practices such as prayer, meditation, or particular rituals. Worship, moral conduct, right belief, and participation in religious institutions are among the constituent elements of the religious life.

The major religions of the world (Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Confucianism, Christianity, Taoism, and Judaism) differ in many respects, including how each religion is organized and the belief system each upholds. Other differences include the nature of belief in a higher power, the history of how the world and the religion began, and the use of sacred texts and objects.

Religion: human beings’ relation to that which they regard as holy, sacred, absolute, spiritual, divine, or worthy of especial reverence. It is also commonly regarded as consisting of the way people deal with ultimate concerns about their lives and their fate after death. In many traditions, this relation and these concerns are expressed in terms of one’s relationship with or attitude toward gods or spirits; in more humanistic or naturalistic forms of religion, they are expressed in terms of one’s relationship with or attitudes toward the broader human community or the natural world. In many religions, texts are deemed to have scriptural status, and people are esteemed to be invested with spiritual or moral authority. Believers and worshippers participate in and are often enjoined to perform devotional or contemplative practices such as prayer, meditation, or particular rituals. Worship, moral conduct, right belief, and participation in religious institutions are among the constituent elements of the religious life.

(https://www.britannica.com/topic/religion)

Traditional Religion

In Nigeria, there are three main religions recognised by the people; Christianity, Islam and the Indigenous religion. These religions have differences that have brought about unrest as the tolerance level has got to a point of polarity. The various unrests have led to national insecurity of the country.

African religions, religious beliefs and practices of the peoples of Africa. It should be noted that any attempt to generalize about the nature of “African religions” risks wrongly implying that there is homogeneity among all African cultures. In fact, Africa is a vast continent encompassing both geographic variation and tremendous cultural diversity. Each of the more than 50 modern countries that occupy the continent has its own particular history, and each in turn comprises numerous ethnic groups with different languages and unique customs and beliefs. African religions are as diverse as the continent is varied. Nevertheless, long cultural contact, in degrees ranging from trade to conquest, has forged some fundamental commonalities among religions within sub regions, allowing for some generalizations to be made about the distinguishing features of religions indigenous to Africa. (With the exception of the influence of Christianity on New Religious Movements in Africa, religions that were introduced to Africa from elsewhere, such as Islam and Christianity, are not covered in this article.)

Religion today has taken a much-institutionalized form. Its origin has always been debated and discussed today by various scholars. In sociological terms, ‘Religion is a system of sacred belief and practices both in the tangible and intangible form’. Religion can serve the dual role of ideology as well as institution. Today, religion has assumed a more narrow-minded approach. However, understanding religion in the broad sense highlights the following important points about it in society:

Cultural Identity

Religion plays a crucial role for a person in giving a cultural identity. Each religion has festivals, traditions, mythologies which form a part of the tangible and intangible heritage of the country. Thus, religion contributes in order to protect this heritage and also adds to the diversity in the country.

Values and Ethics

Religion helps in creating an ethical framework and also a regulator for values in day to day life. This particular approach helps in character building of a person. In other words, Religion acts as an agency of socialization. Thus, religion helps in building values like love, empathy, respect, and harmony.

Spiritual Connect

People are always on the quest of fulfilling the economic and material pursuits in today’s world. It is the religion which plays a crucial role in establishing our connection to the divine and developing the belief that there is a supreme energy that acts as a regulator in our day to day lives. Thus, the components of prayer, chants, hymns, etc. create the spiritual bond.

The Idea of Welfare

Each and every religion promotes its philosophy and the crux of it has always been the welfare and wellness of the people. For example, in the Sanatana Dharma, there are ideas like Vasudaiva Kutumbakam (the whole world is a family), Sarve Sukhina Bhavantu (let everyone be happy) which nurture and cultivate love and compassion in the society.

(https://www.tutorialspoint.com/what-is-the-importance-of-religion-in-our-lives)

Benefits of Religion

Religion has been a feature of the world for as long as it came into existence. Different religious traditions have played a major role in the evolution of society. This is a look at some of the benefits that the world has received from religion.

In summary, the main benefits of religion include

1. Teachings of goodwill and the golden rule (do unto others)

2. Promoting ethics and good morals in political life

3. Inner strength and courage to do the right thing

4. The message of forgiveness

5. Religious art/music

6. Sense of community and belonging

7. Selfless Service

“Each religion has helped mankind. Paganism increased in man the light of beauty, the largeness and height of his life, his aim at a many-sided perfection; Christianity gave him some vision of divine love and charity; Buddhism has shown him a noble way to be wiser, gentler, purer, Judaism and Islam how to be religiously faithful in action and zealously devoted to God; Hinduism has opened to him the largest and profoundest spiritual possibilities. “

Sri Aurobindo (Essays in Philosophy and Yoga, p.211)

Religion has often been a vehicle for intolerance and fundamentalism; religion has been used as an excuse for persecution and war. But, religion in its purest form has provided many benefits for humanity.

Teachings of goodwill and the golden rule

“We must be bright and cheerful. Long faces do not make religion. Religion should be the most joyful thing in the world, because it is the best.”

Swami Vivekananda

Within all religions, there are teachings of goodwill to our fellow men. The golden rule of religious teaching is to treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves. At the World Parliament of Religions (1993), a declaration towards a Global Ethic was made. This principle was signed by 143 leaders from the major faiths. The simple declaration read:

“We must treat others as we wish others to treat us”

Two passages from Gospels quote Jesus Christ in espousing the Golden Rule.

“Do to others what you want them to do to you. This is the meaning of the law of Moses and the teaching of the prophets.”

Matthew 7:12

This principle is often ignored by votaries of religion, but without ethical teachings propagated by religions, there would have been even more conflict and division in the world. Religious ethics, such as the Golden Rule do provide a basis for encouraging better human behaviour.

Role in promoting ethics in political life

It is true many adherents of religion have ignored the important religious teachings of goodwill and equality. But, a higher message of religion is that man is equal before God. This principle has inspired some religious reformers to campaign against injustice. For example, in the Nineteenth Century, many of the opponents of slavery were motivated by a belief that racism and slavery were incompatible with religious teachings on the inherent divinity of all men. For example, the Quakers, and Christians like William Wilberforce sought to end slavery because they believed slavery was incompatible with Christian charity.

Inner strength

Religious faith has often been a source of courageous action. For example, many who opposed Hitler’s Nazi ideology were motivated by their religious faith; this includes people like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Maximilian Kolbe and Bernhard Lichtenberg. Religious faith can be a source of courage to fight oppression.

The message of forgiveness

Some of the world’s great acts of forgiveness have been motivated by a religious ethic and faith in the importance of forgiveness. For example, Martin Luther King frequently used Christian language to preach a message of peace and forgiveness. Other great leaders inspired by religious teachings on forgiveness include Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and the 14th Dalai Lama.

Man’s Thirst for the Unknowable

The religious urge to discover more about life has never left man. From primitive civilisations to the acme of Western civilization, there have always been people unsatisfied with a purely materialistic interpretation of life. This has encouraged people to give priority to an inner life of prayer and meditation as well as outer achievements. Religion can give an opportunity for man to attain the ‘peace that passeth understanding’. Religion holds the promise of ultimate enlightenment. Buddhism teaches the goal of Nirvana, The Hindu Upanishads state:

“From Delight we came into existence.

In Delight we grow.

At the end of our journey’s close, into Delight we retire.”

Selfless Service

Religious teachings emphasize the need for serving our fellow man. The loftiest teaching is to do this selfless service without expectation of reward or praise but to work with a feeling of oneness and identification with other people. In its purest form, religion can inspire people to serve the welfare of others, not out of ego, but out of a sense of divine duty. This principle of selfless service is found in all the main religions and has led to the foundation of many charitable works.

Religious Music

Within the context of religion, some of the most profound, moving and sublime music has been created. Even a non-religious person can appreciate the divine sacred music of Beethoven, Bach or Schubert. In Indian and Asiatic religion there is a similar strand of richly devotional music, that has enriched human culture.

Religious Art

“Religion, like poetry, is not a mere idea, it is expression. The self-expression of God is in the endless variety of creation; and our attitude toward the Infinite Being must also in its expression have a variety of individuality – ceaseless and unending.”

Rabindranath Tagore

During the Renaissance, it was often organised religion which was the greatest patron of the arts. The Catholic church patronised some of the greatest works of Michelangelo such as the Sistine Chapel and the Pieta. The purest form of religion encourages the highest expression of the Divine through the artistic form.

New Thought

Religion is often associated with long-standing dogmas, but religious and spiritual movements often begin as dynamic movements, which establish existing political, cultural and religious norms. Religious teachers, such as Jesus Christ, the Buddha, Guru Nanak challenged many social norms, such as caste systems and ossified social customs. Religion can become stale and ossified itself, but religious leaders and new spiritual movements have the capacity to think outside the box and offer different paths for people to follow.

Sense of community and belonging

Religion can be a main focus of the community. It can bring people together as they share common aspirations to lead a better life. A church, mosque or synagogue can be the centre of community life and provide an outlet for people to find friendship and common sense of purpose. Religion is more likely to cultivate a sense of community rather than just individuality.

(https://www.biographyonline.net/spiritual/articles/benefits-religion.html)

Functions of Religion

The structural-functional approach to religion has its roots in Emile Durkheim’s work on religion. Durkheim argued that religion is, in a sense, the celebration and even (self-) worship of human society. Given this approach, Durkheim proposed that religion has three major functions in society: it provides social cohesion to help maintain social solidarity through shared rituals and beliefs, social control to enforce religious-based morals and norms to help maintain conformity and control in society, and it offers meaning and purpose to answer any existential questions. Further, Durkheim placed himself in the positivist tradition, meaning that he thought of his study of society as dispassionate and scientific. He was deeply interested in the problem of what held complex modern societies together. Religion, he argued, was an expression of social cohesion.

Religion, for Durkheim, is not imaginary, although he does deprive it of what many believers find essential. Religion is very real; it is an expression of society itself, and indeed, there is no society that does not have religion. We perceive as individuals a force greater than ourselves and give that perception a supernatural face. We then express ourselves religiously in groups, which for Durkheim makes the symbolic power greater. Religion is an expression of our collective consciousness, which is the fusion of all of our individual consciousness, which then creates a reality of its own.

It follows, then, that less complex societies, such as the Australian Aborigines, have less complex religious systems, involving totems associated with particular clans. The more complex a particular society is, the more complex the religious system. As societies come in contact with other societies, there is a tendency for religious systems to emphasize universalism to a greater and greater extent. However, as the division of labor makes the individual seem more important, religious systems increasingly focus on individual salvation and conscience.

The primary criticism of the structural-functional approach to religion is that it overlooks religion’s dysfunctions. For instance, religion can be used to justify terrorism and violence. Religion has often been the justification of, and motivation for, war. In one sense, this still fits the structural-functional approach as it provides social cohesion among the members of one party in a conflict. For instance, the social cohesion among the members of a terrorist group is high, but in a broader sense, religion is obviously resulting in conflict without questioning its actions against other members of society.

Marx and the “Opiate of the Masses”

Karl Marx argues that religion works to calm uncertainty over our role in the universe and in society, and to maintain the status quo.

One of the most frequently paraphrased statements of Karl Marx is, religion is the opium of the people. It was translated from the German original, “Die Religion… ist das Opium des Volkes,” and is often referred to as “religion is the opiate of the masses. ” Taken in context, Marx is arguing that religion was constructed by people to calm uncertainty over our role in the universe and in society.

Early social theorists offered explanations and analysis of religion in terms of the function of religion in society, the role of religion in the life of the individual, and the nature (and origin) of religion. With ‘the social-conflict approach,’ Karl Marx argues that religion plays a significant role in maintaining the status quo. Marx argues that religion accomplishes this by promising rewards in the after-life rather than in this life. By focusing attention on otherworldly rewards, religion pacifies members by providing a worldview that deflects attention that would otherwise be directed at the inequalities of this world.

For further study visit: (https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-sociology/chapter/the-functionalist-perspective-on-religion/).

TYPES OF RELIGION

1. African Religion;

2. Anatolian Religion;

3. Ancient Iranian Religion;

4. Arabian Religion; Baltic Religion;

5. Buddhism; Calvinism;

6. Celtic Religion;

7. Christianity;

8. Confucianism;

9. Daoism; Eastern Orthodoxy;

10. Eastern Rite Church;