ELEMENTS OF RELIGION

Elements of Religion

Elements of Religion

Introduction

Religion is the term used to refer the system of beliefs and culture, and views of world that connect humans to spiritualism and occasionally, to moral values. Every religion has symbols, narratives, sacred histories and traditions, which attempt to explain the origin of universe, meaning of life and raison d'etre. Religions provide moral values, ethics, and laws to direct followers to spend a specific lifestyle. In accordance with a rough estimate, at present there are around 4,200 religions exist in the world (Hultgard, 2008; Molloy 2012, pp. 12-152). Religious practices often include sermons, rituals, festivals, meditations, prayers, dance and others. In connection to the religion, this study will attempt to discuss the elements of religion, while describing common elements of religion. The paper will also identify issues in the study of religion and finally, will furnish description of the sacred in indigenous traditions is various religions.

Description of the common elements of religion

Believe in supernatural forces and being is one of the hallmarks of every religion. There are various types of religious beliefs, and some of them are unique belief which cannot be found in other religion. However, the religious beliefs based on their characteristics can be divided into five different categories (O'Neil, 2011):

Animatism

Animatism is the term referred to the belief in supernatural which are not associated with supernatural being. Simply, this common element of the religion believes that every inanimate and animate object is infused by a common or identical life force. It is widely believe by the holders of animatism that power is unseen, neutral and present everywhere. The power is not believed as evil or good, however, misuse of it is pronounced dangerous for humans. This belief is prevalent especially in modest societies.

Animism

The term is derived anima, a Latin word mean soul. ...