Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems

Week 1-2
UNDERSTANDING BELIEFS AND WORLDVIEWS
MELC: Differentiate the concept, elements and characteristics of belief system, world view, religion, and spirituality

Every individual sees and interprets the world quite differently from one another. This overall perspective is also
termed worldview which is a collection of beliefs about life and the universe being held by people (The Free Dictionary
2014). For a certain individual, social environment and upbringing are critical in the development of a religious life. All
these factors have an effect on how people organize their beliefs and ideas while eventually creating a comprehensive
narrative through which they look at the world and interrelate with it.
Kinds of Belief System
Kinds Description
Monism there is no real distinction between god and the universe
Polytheism the belief and worship of many gods
Monotheism the doctrine or belief in one supreme god
Atheism disbelief in or denial of the existence of a personal god
Agnosticism god cannot be known
DEFINITION AND NATURE OF RELIGION

Religion may be defined as “an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a
group of gods” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary 2014). The Latin word religio refers to “something done with overanxious
or scrupulous attention to detail” (Bowker 1997). This term may have probably been derived from the Latin verb religare
which means “to tie together, to bind fast.”
In its original sense, the word refers to expression of proper piety, that is, binding to god (Grassie 2010). Quite
later, religion was used to designate formal belief systems and tenets. The term was eventually applied to what we now
call as religion because of the manner in which people performed rituals during those days. While religion may be
universal in all stages of human history, it does not follow that all individuals are religious or even religious to some
degree (Parrinder 1971).
Definitions forwarded by several social scientists on the nature of religion.
Name of Social Scientist Background View of Religion
English anthropologist; founding the belief in spiritual beings
Edward Burnett Taylor English (1832-
figure of the science of social
1917)
anthropology
a propitiation or conciliation of
Scottish social anthropologist; one of
powers superior to man which are
James George Frazer (1854-1941) the founding figures of modern
believed to control and direct the
anthropology
course of nature and of human life
a body of self-contained acts being
themselves the fulfillment of their
Bronislaw Kasper Malinowski (1884- An eminent 20th-century Polish
purpose; an affair of all, in which
1942 anthropologist
everyone takes an active and
equivalent part
a unified system of beliefs and
David Ëmile Durkheim (1858-1917) French sociologist; father of sociology
practices relative to sacred things
EXPLORING SPIRITUALITY

A comparative analysis of major religions reveals that an important characteristic of their belief system focuses
on the longing for value in life (Parrinder 1971). For thousands of years, people have been searching and yearning to
understand the mystery of life and the universe. There may come a point in time when an individual realizes that life is
not entirely accidental and meaningless (Parrinder 1971). This is where the concept of spirituality comes in with the
term “spiritual” being defined as “relating or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical
things” (Oxford Diction-aries 2014). One author points out that it is quite common for people to say that they are
“spiritual, not religious” (Grassie 2010). Spirituality may be manifested in quite a number of ways. For example, a person
may believe in the presence of an overwhelming power greater than oneself or perhaps a person can be fully mindful of
one’s purpose in life. That person can also have a feeling of oneness or a bond with other living beings.

While religions are frequently viewed as set of ideals practiced and followed by organized groups, “spirituality is
something an individual can have without being implicated in the ambivalent complexity of human societies and
institutions” (Grassie 2010). Although traditional spirituality is frequently associated with religiosity, many people assert
that personal spirituality can grow separately from religion. One may find inner peace, satisfaction, and contentment in
life that are truly independent of religious dogmas and tenets.
 Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems
Week 1-2
ORIGIN OF WORLD RELIGIONS
MELC: Analyze the interconnectedness of geography, culture and religions

World
Religions

Historical Cultural
foundation milieu
Geographical
context

A. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
 Prehistoric humans, such as the Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons, have practiced a set of belief systems
like burying their dead, painting on the walls of caves and carving images from stones.
 The existence of humankind for so long a time has resulted in the formation of religion belief systems. It
is certain that many have been unrecorded in the past. Others may have gradually died down like
Zoroastrianism that once flourished in South Asia but is now only confirmed in Iran, Indian and Central
Asia.
THE PATRIARCH ABRAHAM
 Played a major role in the establishment of the three monotheistic religions: namely, Judaism, Christianity and
Islam, which account for more than of the world’s total population. As such, these organized religious are
collectively known as ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS.
 The importance of Abraham in these three religious lies in the fact the patriarch appears as an elemental
(primary) figure for monotheistic belief system and a paragon (exemplar) for extreme devotion.

COMMONALITIES IN ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS

1. They all worship one supreme being

 Ancient Hebrews- Elohim, Adonai or Yahweh
 Present day Judaism- Lord or God
 Muslim- Allah
2. Prophets and Apostles play major roles
 Judaism has 48 prophets and 7 prophetesses, early prophets include Abraham Isaac, Jacob, Moses Aaron
and Joshua
 Christianity has 12 Apostle, some of whom wrote of the parts of the New testaments
 Islam believes that Muhammad is the final prophet or the Seal of the Prophet.

3. Prior to the establishment as organized religions, the role of divine revelation or intervention is associated
among their progenitors (ancestors)
 God instructed Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac at Moriah
 God presented the 10 Commandments to Mosses at Mouth Sinai
 Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems
Week 1-2
 God sacrificed his son Jesus Christ through crucifixion as the plan to salvation
 God commanded Muhammad to establish a new religion at a cave in Mouth Hira.
***Then and now, the followers of the three Abrahamic religious are presented with a choice between good and
evil.

HINDUISM

 It perfectly reflects heterogeneity with its eclectic (diversified and assorted) ways of religious expressions
that are quite confusing to outsiders.
 It has no specific founder, no one sacred book, and with innumerable gods and goddess that any Hindu can
venerate as such, Hinduism can be considered as museum of religions
 It was during the Vedic Period that Hinduism or Sanatana Dharma became systematized as a religion that
order and purpose to the cosmos and human life.
 During this period, universal order became equated with a stable society as evidenced by the establishment
of a centralized government and the integration of collective traditions into Indian lives
BUDDHISM

 It centers its attention on the figure of the Buddha, who was not a god but human being who came to
discover how terminate suffering in order to escape the painful and continuous cycle of rebirth.
 Buddhist follower revere Buddha in the same way that the members of the other world religions
worship their gods.
 The Mahayana sect of Buddhism differs from Theravada school because of its array of Buddhas and
bodhisattvas who have attained spiritual enlightenment. These beings are already eligible to enter
nirvana but choose to delay this glorious path to guide others to the path of salvation.
 Born near the end of the 6th century BCE, Siddharta Gautama’s life is closely linked with the historical
and religious development of Buddhism in India. Gaining new converts due to its mass appeal as
compared to the exclusivity of Hindu beliefs, Buddhism spread far and wide from India to Sri Lanka and
to the Southeast Asia.
 The Religion was transported to China, Korea, Japan and Vietnam. Across the Himalayas, it reached the
Tibetan lands
 Presently, Buddhism has become more popular outside its place of origin while Hinduism has remained
entrenched (rooted) in India throughout many centuries.
CONFUCIANISM

 Even during the olden days, the Chinese had already endeavored to establish and attain good governance.
China adopted Confucius’s ideals and ethics as the nation developed meritocracy (power goes to those with
superior intellects) as a basis for government officials.
 Confucius is regarded as China’s greatest philosopher and teacher who lived at the same time as Siddharta
Gautama in India.
 Confucian ideals aspire to harmonize human relations and serve as guide to social behavior. An ideal human
society is the most concern for the Confucian follower.
 Confucius dwell upon the theme of the Dao as being the truth or ways things out to be done concordant
with specific view to life, politics and customs.
 Confucian Dao concerns human affairs.

DAOISM

 Mysteries abound the birth and life of Laozi (Lao-tzu) who may have written Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching or the
Book of the Way and its Power.
 Believed to be a contemporary (modern version) of Confucius, he once worked as a record keeper at the time of
Zhou Dynasty but soon left the service due to his frustration with corruption.
 Around 142 CE, Daoism began as an organized religion with the establishment of the Way of the Celestial
Masters sect by Zhang Daoling during the Han Dynasty/
 The writings of Daoism centers on the concept of Dao, as a way in which one does something.
 Daoist Dao means the way the universe works.

SHINTOISM

 It is loosely organized local belief in Japan, somewhat an ardent (dedicated) religious form of Japanese
patriotism. Its mythology highlights the superiority of Japan over the other lands.
 Japanese people believed that their emperors literary descended from the sun goddess Amaterasu.
 Conscious effort is done to revere the beauty of Japan’s lands especially mountains.
 Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems
Week 1-2
 The term “Shinto” was coined around the 16 century CE to distinguish native belief system from the imported
th

religions of China and korea, including Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism.

 The term came from the Chinese words, “Shen” and “tao” roughly translated as the way of the gods.
 Of primal importance were the kami that were often defined as the gods but could also refer to deities of
heaven and earth, or even spirits in human beings, animals, trees, seas and mountains.

GEOGRAPHY OF FAITH

1. WESTERN FRONTIER
2. THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT
3. THE EASTERN END

1. WESTERN FRONTIER
 West Asia is the home of three great religions (Judaism,
Christianity and Islam)
 Religions have increasingly become involved in domestic
politics of West Asia, resulting in prolonged conflicts among
countries that have claimed thousands of lives. (Lebanon,
Jordan, Israel, Syria and Palestine)
 Israel remains the only country in the world with a Jewish- majority population comprising almost 75% of its
citizens.
 The Arabian Peninsula, the world’s largest peninsula, consists of countries that are predominantly Islamic in
character. (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Oman). Most west Asian
countries follow Shi’a and Sunni denominations of Islam. Iran and Iraq associate themselves with the Shi’a sect
while Muslims in Saudi Arabia belong to Sunni branch.
 The topography of west Asia is characterized by vast areas of mountainous terrains which played significant
roles in many religious beliefs as these landforms provide ideal settings where gods live or where gods and
mortals meet.

SACRED MOUNTAINS
Holy Mountains Location Significance
Mount Ararat Eastern part of Turkey Traditional landing place of
Noah’s ark as narrated in the
book of Genesis.

Mount Sinai Sinai Peninsula in Egypt The peak where Moses

received the 10
Commandments

Mount Zion/ Mount Moriah Jerusalem Known as the City of David

and Temple Mount

Mount Tabor Israel Site of transfiguration of

Jesus Christ.

 One of the most sacred sites in the world revered by JCI. Three structures are found in the present site:
Al- Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock, and the Dome of the Chain. The Jewish people consider the
Temple Mount as the holiest Shrine. Mount Moriah is also believed to be the site of sacrifice of Isaac
by Abraham.
 Vast expanse of deserts and bodies of water also played important roles in biblical history.

Place Significance
 Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems
Week 1-2
Yam Suph ( Red Sea) Israelites crossed this as they escaped
from Egyptian Lands
Sinai Desert Israelites lived here in route the Promised
Land( Spiritual Cleansing)

 Presently, follower of Abrahamic religious place high regard on the city Jerusalem in Israel because of the
numerous sites that are central to their belief system.
 There are more than a thousand synagogues, more than a hundred churches and more than 70 mosques.
 Jerusalem has been sacred for the Jews for almost three thousand years now with the city being on the site of
the First Temple (king Solomon’s Temple) and the Second Temple.
 The western Wall (wailing Wall or Kortel), one of the four remaining walls that surrounded Temple Mount, is
the second holiest for the Jews.
 Jerusalem has been sacred for the Christians for almost two thousand years now. Important sites include Mouth
Zion and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is the site of the Golgotha (or the place of crucifixion) and the
empty tomb of Jesus Christ.
 Lastly, Jerusalem has been sacred for the Muslims for almost 1400 years now. For the Sunni Muslims, it is their
third holiest city.
 Located at the Temple Mouth, the Islamic Dome of the Rock is the most recognizable structure in Jerusalem. It
is believed that the rock is the spot from which Muhammad ascended to heaven. Likewise, the first and Second
Temples are believed to lie beneath or near the shrine.
 Another Islamic structure is the Al-Aqsa Mosque associated with the night journey undertaken by Muhammad.

2. THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT

 The subcontinent of South Asia covers an area more than one and half million square miles stretching from the
Hindu Kush and Baluchi Hills on the west and the Great Himalayan mountain range on the north, to the
Burmese mountain on the east the Indian Ocean on the South.
 More than 4000 years ago, a civilization emerged along the Indus River that developed a unique culture long
before the dawn of the Christian era.
 Invasions from people originating in Macedonia and Central Asia have added diversity to India’s population and
complexity to its culture.
 Because sweltering heat is one major feature of India’s ecological setting, it is no wonder that Hindus revere the
sun (Surya) and fire (Agni).
 Water also plays a major role as evidenced by Hindus venerating a god of water and celestial oceans (Varuna)
 The South Asian countries of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh depend on the rivers of indus, Ganga-Yamuna and
Bramaputra. Traversing the great plains of North India, the Ganga (Hanges) is the holiest river for the Hindus.
From its point of origin to its confluence with the ocean, many ancient pilgrimage sites and cites line up along
the Ganga that include Rishikesk, Haridwar, Prayag and Varanasi.
 Even the Buddhist consider Varanasi as an important religious site. During the olden days, there was once a de
park in Samath which is now a residential area in Varanasi. In this park, Siddhartha Gautama gave his first
sermon about the principles of Buddhism. It is presently marked by the Dhamek Stupa Shrine.
 The Buddha also met his first disciples at this place which is now commemorated by the Chaukahandi Stupa
monument.
3. THE EASTERN END

 At the eastern end of the great Asian continent one finds the cultural and political dominance of China.
 The location of China proper in the valleys of two great bodies of water, the Huang He and Yangtze, is quite
favorable because of the support these streams provide to the Chinese people that made historic China the
center of culture.
 From these river valleys emerged small states now controlled by the first recorded dynasties, the Shang and the
Zhou. It is within this context that the great Confucius became fascinated with ethical questions and morality in
government officials
 Confucius, the main person behind the social philosophy, did not intend to start a new religion but rather
expound on the nature of order and stability in the society, With the growth of Confucianism and the
development of urban Chinese culture, the shamanism began to decline in China.
 It was only during the second millennium after the death of Confucius in 479 BCE that the teachings and ideals
identified with his philosophy spread in China. By the time of the Han dynasty, Confucian teachings had become
the state religion. In Korea, it began to be disseminated extensively around the 15th century. In Japan. It was
accepted by the majority during the 18th and 19th century.
 Daoism emerged in response to the widespread warfare and social turmoil that besieged the Zhou Dynasty. It
served as the guiding principle to abandon and withdraw from the disorder brought about by incessant struggle
for power, wealth and prestige. The common people began to oppose the rising authoritarian rule and the
 Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems
Week 1-2
rigidity of the moralists who were Confucian supporters. Daoist followers aspired for autonomy in the midst of
social adversities and the conformity to social patterns with the aim of attaining social harmony.
 As the three kingdoms of Goguryeo, Silla and Baekje, were being influenced by China, Korea also adopted
Buddhism and Confucianism from the mainland.
 Japanese representatives to China picked the useful aspects of Chinese culture, imported and adopted these
elements to their own need. The Japanese feudal (old) system embraced the ideals of Confucianism. Ancestor
worship complemented elements of Confucianism and Daoism that underscored the concept of filial piety
(devotion to family).
 The entry of Buddhism in Japan between the 4th and 8th centuries had a direct effect in their religious
traditions.
a. Shinto was introduced (to distinguish native from foreign religion)
b. Shinto followers acknowledged that the numerous buddhas and bodhisattvas were revelations of the
Kami.
c. Fusion between Shintoism and Buddhism
d. Japan developed a unique form of Buddhism taking its fullest meditative form under Zen.

C. CULTURAL MILIEU

 World religions can be regarded along the lines of their exclusivity or non- exclusivity
 Exclusive religions are oftentimes monotheistic with Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Meanwhile, non – exclusive
religions are Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Shintoism.

ON MONOTHEISM AND UNIVERSALITY

 While Judaism and Islam affirm the presence of one god (Unitarian creed) Christianity acknowledges one
God in three persons (Trinitarian creed): The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit.
 The basic principles of the Muslim faith are reflected in the Five Pillars of Islam”
 Both Christianity and Islam are considered universalizing religions because they both attempt to operate on
a global scale. Universalizing religions have a variety of means to transmit their principles and their followers
believe that what they think is appropriate for humankind/
 On the other hand, Judaism can be considered an ethnic religion because it draws members from a specific
group of people from a definite locality with most of tis practices and rituals performed continuously
throughout generations.

ON THE CONCERT OF DHARMA

 The concept of Dharma is integral in religious that emerged in India. Including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism
and Sikhism.
 In Hinduism, dharma could mean duty, righteousness and ethics. In all humanity, this is common and evident
in virtues such as peacefulness, empathy and kindness.
 For Buddhism, it means cosmic law and order, or the teaching of Buddha and the truth of the way things are.
 For the Theravada sect, dharma is sometimes used to indicate all the factors of existence.
 Dharmic religions do not compel their adherents to profess their devotion to be a believer or a practitioner.
Meditational and yoga ritual lead to right behavior an ultimate understanding of the universe
 While Hindus and Buddhist share similarities in their ideas concerning enlightenment and liberation they differ
in
 Hindus believe in Trimurti or the three forms of gods
 Buddhists do not believe in the existence of any god therefore intermediaries for humans and gods are
not necessary along with the many rituals that go with venerating them.

ON NATURE AND ANCESTORS

 The elements of cult of heaven and ancestor worship are features of ancient Chinese culture integrated into the
Confucian philosophy and belief. Confucius has a frim conviction in a natural order that was moral order.
 Apart from having a harmonious relationship between humans and heaven, the establishment of an idea human
society is also key to Confucian followers. The five basic social relationships are:
1. Ruler and Subjects
2. Father and son
3. Husband and wife
4. Older and younger brothers
5. Friends or member of the community
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Week 1-2
 Lesser deities are apparent in Daoism with the presence of atmospheric gods, gods of locality, and functional
gods. It also promotes harmonious relationship between humankind and nature. Appropriateness of one’s
behavior is also integral in the Daoist teaching
 In Shintoism, divinities are closely linked to nature and natural forces. The sacred Mount Fuji, an abode of
Japanese gods, is surrounded by temples and shrines. it is one of the three holy mountain along with Mount
Tate and Mount Haku
 Shrines are erected to venerate or remember ancestors, an occurrence and natural phenomena, such as
mountains, rivers, rocks and trees. Shinto followers carry out ritualistic practices diligently in order to establish
union with the present society and the nation’s past. Majority of its followers also practice Buddhism
------------------------------------------------------------end of discussion-------------------------------------------------------------

DO THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES

A. CRITICAL THINKING
Direction: Answer the following questions. Write your answer in one (1) whole sheet of paper.

1. How does religion help explain man's existence and role in the world?
2. How can an individual lead a spiritual life? Cite some examples
3. How important is the role of Abraham in the development of monotheistic religion?
4. In what ways are Confucianism and Taoism more of a social philosophy rather than organized religions?
5. How did geography affect religious events and development in West Asia in the Indian subcontinent and in
China?
6. What are the major points of difference between Dharmic religions and Abrahamic religions?
7. Why are natural forces and environment integral in the Shinto religion?

B. PERFORMANCE TASK

Draw a map of the world and show how religion spread around the world. Take note of the key cities or
countries where each religion originated. Use color per religion.

Prepared by:

MRS. LANIE M. BAUTISTA

MR. RAYMART R. CABILANGAN