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RELIGION, RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCES AND SPIRITUALITY
Differences between various types of Religious What/Who
religious organizations Example
Classification Is Divine
Religions evolve in organizational
structures, often influenced by existing Islam
models, and are categorized by
sociologists as ecclesia, denominations,
or sects. These classifications are Atheism No deities Atheism
dynamic, with religions typically
transitioning through phases; for
Nonhuman
example, Christianity started as a cult,
beings Indigenous
became a sect, and now exists as an
(animals, nature
ecclesia. Animism
plants, worship
Cults - new religious groups, often seen natural (Shinto)
negatively, sometimes labeled as new religious world)
movements (NRMs), and are typically secretive
and led by a charismatic leader.
Human- Ojibwa
Sects - are small, new groups often breaking natural (Native
Totemism
away from larger religious organizations, being American)
sometimes growing into denominations. connection beliefs
Denominations - are large, mainstream
religious organizations that coexist with others
without claiming state sponsorship. World Religions
Hinduism:
Ecclesia - refers to a dominant, state-
recognized religion that encompasses most of Originating around 4,500 years ago in the Indus
society. River Valley, Hinduism is the world’s oldest
religion and the third largest with about one
Types of Religions billion followers. Hindus believe in a divine
power that manifests as different entities,
including the main deities Brahma, Vishnu, and
Religious What/Who Shiva. Their sacred texts, the Vedas, are written
Example in Sanskrit and guide practices related to
Classification Is Divine
dharma (duty) and karma (the cycle of cause
and effect).
Belief
Buddhism:
systems of
Multiple the ancient Founded by Siddhartha Gautama around 500
Polytheism
gods Greeks B.C.E., Buddhism teaches followers to lead a
and moral life by embracing the Four Noble Truths
Romans and following the “middle way.” It emphasizes
personal responsibility and meditation, rather
than a godhead. The religion seeks to end
Monotheism Single god Judaism, suffering through detachment from desires.
MODULE 1
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RELIGION, RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCES AND SPIRITUALITY
Confucianism: Summary
Developed by Confucius in the sixth century Sociological terms for different kinds of religious
B.C.E., Confucianism focuses on moral organizations are, in order of decreasing
practices like self-discipline, respect for influence in society, ecclesia, denomination,
authority, and jen (kindness). Although some sect, and cult. Religions can be categorized
scholars view it as more of a social system than according to what or whom its followers’
a religion, it played a significant role in shaping worship. Some of the major, and oldest, of the
Chinese society and was the official state world’s religions include Hinduism, Buddhism,
religion until 1949. Confucianism, Taoism, Judaism, Islam, and
Christianity.
Taoism:
Taoism, attributed to Laozi in the sixth century
B.C.E., seeks inner peace and harmony by
following the Tao, or “way.” It emphasizes
virtues such as compassion and moderation
and includes central concepts like the yin-yang
symbol. Taoism is often seen as more spiritually
focused compared to Confucianism’s practical
ethics.
Judaism:
Judaism is a monotheistic religion that began
after the Jewish Exodus from Egypt in the
thirteenth century B.C.E. The faith is centered
around the covenant with Yahweh (God) and
guided by the Torah, with a focus on moral
behavior. The Talmud provides additional
sacred interpretations of the Torah.
Islam:
Islam, founded in the 7th century C.E., is a
monotheistic religion based on the teachings of
the prophet Muhammad. Muslims follow the
Qur’an and adhere to the Five Pillars of Islam,
which include belief in one God, daily prayer,
charity, fasting, and pilgrimage to Mecca. Islam
is one of the fastest-growing religions globally.
Christianity:
Christianity, the world’s largest religion, began
2,000 years ago with the teachings of Jesus of
Nazareth. Christians follow the Bible and
believe in the Holy Trinity: the Father (God), the
Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. The faith
emphasizes love, charity, and the Ten
Commandments, with variations in practice
among different Christian denominations.
