Rel-101: [INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF RELIGION]

Unit one: DEFINITIONS OF RELIGION AND

PROBLEMS ASSOCIATION WITH THE DEFINITION
OF RELIGION
Question I: What are the problems facing the definition of religion:
They are as follows:
(a) The word religion is a generic word which represent a class of religion. It is not
specific.
(b) The personal views of definers of religion make it difficult for them to agree on a
common definition
(c) The definer of religion has different opinions what religion represents.
(d) The definers characteristics also make it difficult for them to obtain an agreement
on what is the nature of religion
(e) The personal experiences of the definers of religion make it hard for them to agree
on one definition of religion.

(2) VARIOUS DEFINITIONS OF RELIGION

i. PHILSOPHICAL DEFINITION OF RELIGION:
Charles.W. Kegley defined Religion as “The attitude or active relationship,
towards whatever or whomever an individual and/or group of persons take to be
of greatest value or reality”.
Again, Emmanuel Kent, a professor of philosophy, defined religion as
“Recognition of all duties as divine commands” (To obey all commands from
God)

ii. ANTHROLOGICAL DETION OF RELIGION:

Edward. B. Tylor an Anthropolist, defined religion as a “belief in spiritual
beings”
Besides, A.R. Radiclife-Brown, defined that “Religion is everywhere an
expression, in one form or another, of a sense of dependence on Power outside
ourselves, a power of which we speak (of) as a spiritualist or”.
Besides, C, Geety defines religion as “a system of symbols which acts to
establish powerful, pervasion and long-lasting moods and motivation in men by
 formulating ideas of a general order of existence, and clothing these ideas with
such an aura of truth that, seem to be realistic”

iii. SOCIOLOGICAL DEFINITIONS:

Enile Durkhum, a French sociologist defined religion as “a unified system of
beliefs, and practices which are related to sacred things, i.e. things set apart and
forbidden in beliefs and community called a chinch for all those who adhere to
them”.
Above all, Milton J Yinger an American sociologist defined religion as “a system
of beliefs and practices by means of which a group of people struggle with ultimate
problems of human life. It is the refusal to capitulate to death, to give in face of
frustration, to allow hostility to tear apart one’s human association

UNIT:2 THE THEORY OF ORIGIN OF RELIGION

(1) MY THEOLOGICAL THEORY OF ORIGIN OF RELIGION:
The attempt to discover the origin has a long history. The early mythological
approach to the origin of religion was answered by identifying religion with gods.
The priests of various gods taught followers that their respective gods were
originally creator of the world.

(2) SPECULATIVE THEORY OF THE ORIGIN OF REL:

The member of t group, were not satisfied on the explanations of the mythologic
which counted on the traditional religion, which their priest claimed that their
gods were the founder and creator of the world. Instead, they speculated or
guessed without any logical points or conclusion.

(3) ANTHROPOLOGICAL THEIRY OF ORIGIN:

Edward .B. Tylon argued in his book “Primitive Culture”, Explained that, religion
is the belief in spiritual beings, he further stated, that primitive man had his first
experience spirit when he sleeps, Dreams, see shadows, breath or death. To this
end, primitive man believes that a spirit is invisible which could be found, animate
as a soul in natural objects such as trees, Rivers, The sun, Stars, Moon, clouds,
 lightening, rainbows and thunders etc. therefore, B Tylor concluded that, because
of the fear and awe of all these, led to a belief in celestial gods and so formed the
origin of religion.

(4) PSYCHOLOGICAL THEORY ON THE ORIGIN OF REL:

This theory believes that, the origin of religion came from mans need to find
solutions to challenges faced by man. Yes man needed answers to his problems
such as, why death? Why is the environment full of various plants? In a bid to find
the answers or seek for the knowledge led man to respect, recognise and worship
or thing or being etc.

(5) THEOLOGICAL THEORY OF THE ORIGIN OF REL:

Theology is an important aspect that tends to apply rational philosophy method to
explain what is involved in the various religious trading in west countries of
Europe and America, edge was used to find out Christian experience as it was
understood in the early church, also the Jewish culture and religion, and God’s
relationship with his people needed to studied.

UNIT 3: ELEMENTS OF RELIGION

The term religion involves sense of the beyond. This beyond is something that is
other than man.it is beyond the reach of man, physically and spiritual. The great
spirit or power who is at the beyond mankind is referred by many as supreme. We
shall call him God.
God is spirit and he is holy. He generates fears, awes, (Isaiah 6) God is holy and
clean this describes the idea of sacred or holiness.
(1). What makes a place sacred or holy?
An example is found in the lives of Jacob and Moses. i.e. Jacob at bethel, Moses
and the burning bush in Midian. Both of them had ideas of sacredness, the reaction
of Jacob to erect an alter after his dream and Moses heard a voice when he saw the
burning bush. Other similar holy places include the churches, Mosques, Shrines,
Syn queues etc. God meet his people in holy or sacred places.
(2) SACRED PEOPLE OR HOLY PEOPLE
It is clear to state hear that, God is holy and anywhere or person God meets is seen
as a holy person.
Moses is considered to be sacred for he met God face to face often times after
which his face radiates like the sun Illustrating the presence of God.
Abraham is regarded as the founder of Judaism, Zoroaster founded Zoroastrianism,
Gualala Buddha founded Buddhism, Jesus Christ founded Christianity,
Mohammed founded Islam, these men are worshipped by their followers and are
considered as holy or sacred. Also, some ordained religious leaders are considered
as sacred such as his holiness, pope, His grace, His Eminence, El etc.

(3) SACRED OR HOLY THINGS OR OBJECTS

Sacred objects refer to materials used to worship. Such objects appear inform of
books, symbols etc. Such books are used during the course of worship are holy
Bible for Christian, Holy Koran for Muslims, Tripitaka for Buddhism, Vedas for
Hinduism. Ofo na Ogu for African traditional religion (A.T.R)
While sacred symbols used for worship include holy cross () Symbol of Christ
Crucification (Bread and Wine holy communion) Bell, Pulpit, Priest garment,
water (holy) Rod <Staff, Spiritual Incense Creed, bowels etc. These vary from one
religion to the other.

(4) SACRED COMMANDS

Every religion is concerned with two main dimensions, first man’s relationship
with his creator; Secondly how this man’s relationship with his creator influence
man’s relationship with his fellow man.
Sacred commands are words or commands from the creator for e.g. The Golden
Rule is in every religion “it states that do unto men as you would like them do unto
you” Every religion is guided by social, and moral laws. E.g. the “Ten
commandments” God gave to Moses. For the Muslims “Zallat” Alms giving is a
law that must be obeyed. Muslims are legally required to give one of their
incomes for the destitute (the needy)
 UNIT 4: APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF RELIGION
This concept explains various methods, means or ways one could apply to study
religion.
Such approaches are: Theological, philosophical, Anthropological, Sociological,
Psychological others include; Comparative and Existential Approach etc.
(a) Theological Approach; Theology is essential, it studies about God. It covers six
main areas namely; the doctrine of God, teaching of man, the person Christ, the
teaching of/ work of Christ the teaching of the church and teaching of last days.
(b) Philosophical approach, studies the origin of man nature, importance and functions
of religion and religious experience and use them to draw his conclusions.
(c) Anthropological approach to the study of religion, tend to study man in terms of
his cultural conditions and his social relations with others to draw his reference.
(d) Sociological approach to the study of religion, studies the man in the society with
its culture, attitude and other institution around him and relate to his religious
practice.
(e) Comparative approach focuses on beliefs, rites, ethics in a particular social
structure. It lists and compares elements and this is particularly useful as it shows
them in their social conditions.
(f) Psychological approach, explains the ways of religious feelings, thinking and
behaviours. It studies religion in order to give an explanation to which he doesn’t
commit himself.

UNIT 5: RELIGION AS AN ASPECT OF CULTURE

Culture means the sum total of a people’s way of life. It is made up of material and
non-material aspects. The material aspect are the things are seen and handle. The
non-material aspects are those aspects we do not see and cannot touch. Examples
are language we speak, the values we hold and our value system. Religion is part
of the belief of system. Therefore, it is an aspect of culture.
Religion is a major source and carrier of cultural values religion is the generators
and sustainer of values. Religion sustain culture in various ways such as by
providing rules, regulations for human relationship.
It provides Prescriptions or Orders of what must be done. It also, provides
proscriptions on what should not be done. It helps to sustain the acceptable norms
of the society.
Religion is applied to the social emotional, economic, intellectual and spiritual life
of the people. People believe that religion is important in all these areas of their
life.
Religion is therefore, an integral aspect of culture.

UNIT 6: THE RELATIONSHIP B/W REL & POLITICS

The relationship between religion and politics cannot be overstressed. Politics is an
art and science of government. Politics is an art and science of government.
Politics involves some major people having power over others. It helps to see that a
security is organised on sound principle which are in line with the will of God.
God built his creation on sound principles of truth, Justice and love. It is the duty
of politics to maintain this und principles for the common good of all in the
society. Both religion and politics refer to human beings living together in
community in a state. Both aim at the individual common good. Both adhere the
ills in the society.
Religion appeals to the conscience of the individual. It uses educational and other
moral persuasive means to achieve its goal. Politics, on its part use Coercive force
to enforce its rule. Both religion & politics function to promote the welfare of the
individual and the state.
Besides, both religion and politics are part of the people’s culture.
While, both functions to promote the welfare of the people in the society. It is on
record that both have been manipulated by some individuals for their selfish ends.

UNIT 7: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN REL AND

ETHICS
Ethics is a branch of study that, studies human conduct or behaviour. To check if
things are done according to rules, traditions or stated principles. If it is not done
according to the guidelines, it therefore becomes “Un-ethical” “Omena Elu”
 There exists good relationship between rel and ethics in religion God gives his
commandment which are religious commandment in their content. It contains
religious and moral laws which cannot be separated
E.g. Honesty is an ethical value and cs often said that “Honesty is the best policy”
Or “Truth is life” and when you’re honest or truthful, people who know you will
always trust you and believe in you.
But when “honesty is used in a religious sense, “Honesty becomes a command; an
order from God. The difference between a non-religious honesty and religious
honesty is that the former depends on personal character and so can choose to be
honest or dishonesty. This, the society provides safeguards to ensure that the
people should in most cases, choose to be honest this is why the society regards the
honest individuals and dis-regard the dishonest individuals and punish them
accordingly.
But when the word “honesty” becomes a command from God it becomes a duty an
obligation that must be obeyed; to do otherwise is to disobey God’s
commandments which carries remorse and guilt. The offender is no longer a
criminal but a “Sinner”
Therefore, Religion and ethics are interrelated.

UNIT 8: DESCRIPTION OF AFRICAN TRADITION

RELIGION (A.T.R)
(1) WHAT IS AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION?
African traditional religion is an indigenous religion founded by Africans
practiced, Worshipping and sacrificing to their respective gods in their lands. It
could be noted here that (ATR) had been in existence before the advent of the two
foreign religions Islam and Christianity in African soil.
(2) It is called “African” because it is practises in almost all the continent. It is
enshrined with the African Cultural heritage, from our Ancestor (fore fathers)
(3) It is called Traditional because it is the people’s religion, it involves every aspect
of their lives. Africans cannot do without their religion, because religion, because
every activity involves traditional religion, ranging from planting, marriage, birth
to death. A.T.R is not a religion of book- it is not written rather written in every
 aspect of their lives. The religion was born with the people and all that are required
for the religious practices are within the immediate surroundings.
(4) There is no clear founder, unlike other religions that have founders. There are no
reformers, but a powerful priest or king that can adjust the tradition.
(5) The needed information about the A.T.R could be derived from < folklores,
proverbs, riddles, ceremonies,>
(6) It is always said that, “wherever African is there is a religion” ……Mbiti.1975 p.2

SOURCES OF A.T.R
A.T.R grew from what was handed down word of mouth or practices over
thousands of years ago.
Sources of A.T.R could be divided into two
(a) Material and non-material:
Material sources are the things we can see and touch such as Temples, shrines,
groove, art and craft and peoples. Temples are built for congregational worship. It
comprises of 3 rooms apartment, one for the priest, another for storing sacrificial
materials and shrine is usually in and outer room for sacrifices.
Shrines are found all over where the religion is practiced. Some are built in family
house, Under the trees, Community shrines etc all these are meant for sacrifices
and rituals.
Symbols are also used for many purposes e.g. yellow palm leave Omu-signifies
danger, red-blood, White signifies death E.g. when somebody dies etc.
(b) Non-Material Sources include; myth, liturgies, myths stories passed on by words of
mouth.
(c) While liturgies are special composition used by the priest during worship or
sacrifice. It is a means of communication with the deity during worship.
(d) Songs are used during birth ceremonies, marriages or deaths ceremonies or
festivals etc.

THE NATURE OF A.T.R

(1) It is full of oral traditions (2) belief in God.
Country Name of God
 Nigeria--Chukwu, Ondo, Owosoko, olodumare, Obasi, Etc.
LiberiaYala
Ghana Bore-Bore, Mawu, Nyame, Etc.
Angola Kalungu, Nyooiy
Cameroon Nyinyi Etc.
(3) Belief in the world of Spirits:
(4) Belief in sky and nature spirits i.e. moon, stars, direct from God.
(5) Also, belief in Human spirits such people who have for a long time (Ghost). The
Second category of human spirit are those who dies recently and they are very
close the living.
(6) Also, belief in Ancestors- our fore fathers who died quiet long ago.

UNIT 9: SURVEY AND SYNTHESIS OF MAJOR WORLD

RELIGIOUS
(1) HINDUISM: TEACHINGS
(a) Brahman- eternal trinity in one God. Brahman-creator; Vishnu preserver of life;
Shiva=destroyer.
(b) Submission to fate
(c) The caste system-laws of man
(d) The law of Karma (good for good bad for bad)
(e) Reincarnation (re-birth)
(f) Dharmalaw of self-discipline
(2) BUDDHISM: founded 500 years ago before Christ in India. Founder was Siddhartha
Gautama Buddha he was born in 560 Bc. He stayed under the fig tree for 7 days and
met the monks who had been his companions.
(3) HIS TEACHINGS was on a noble truth and the 8-fold path.
(a) 1st Noble truth= existence of suffering
(b) 2nd Noble truth= cause of sufferings
(c) 3rd Noble truth- leads to the ending of sufferings by way of 8th fold path.
THE 8th FOLD PATH
1. The 1st step is right views
2. 2nd step is right resolve
3. 3rd step is right speech
4. 4th step is right behaviour
5. 5th step is occupation
6. 6th step is effort
7. 7th step is contemplation
8. 8th step is meditation
There are five precepts taught by buddhism that his followers should follow.
(1) Kill no living thing (Including insects)
(2) Do not steal
(3) Do not commit adultery
(4) Tell no lies
(5) Do not drink alcohols

(4) JUDAISM: Founder- Abraham the worship the true God Yahweh of O/7 and xtn God
of the N/T., Judaism began when Abraham had a divine call by God to live Of UR of
Chaldeans and move to Canaan. To the Jews ‘Messiah’ originally means who God
would send to deliver them from their enemies.
The belief in rituals/ sacrifice like attornment, confession of sins, Good moral
conducts; existence of sins, self-righteousness that leads to salvation. So, there is no
need for a saviour to come as emphasised by Christianity.