Monday, November 3, 2008

What is religion?

Patterns of Religion defines “religion as a system of meaning embodied in a pattern of life, a community of faith, and a worldview that articulates a view of the sacred and what ultimately matters” (32).

Theistic Religions
Hinduism
Judaism
Christianity
Islam

Non-theistic Religions
Buddhism
Confucianism
Scientology
Transcendental Meditation


Forms of Religious Expression

Beliefs—symbols, stories, doctrines, and conduct
Morality—codes of conduct, right and wrong
Ritual—life cycle and calendrical rites
Scripture—oral and written literature
Community—social structures and institutions

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