This document discusses different types of religious belief systems. It defines religion and explains that religion is a key foundation of societies throughout history. The document then outlines and describes four main types of religious beliefs: 1) Animism, which attributes life forces to natural elements; 2) Naturism, which believes the human body should not be covered; 3) Polytheism, which believes in many gods and goddesses like in Hinduism and Buddhism; and 4) Monotheism, which believes in one god like in Christianity and Sikhism.

1. CAPE Sociology
Unit One
Cultural Identity
Religion may be defined as a social institution which involves a set of beliefs
and practices which are based on the conception of the sacred (Macionis and
Plummer).
Types of belief systems
Religion is one of the key pillars upon which all societies and in fact the
history of societies are based. One could say that religion is and has always
been the foundation upon which policies are norms have been formed in the
pre-industrial as well as post-industrial world. The four basic beliefs systems
that will be highlighted based on the syllabus are:
1. Animism: This is the belief that natural elements are bestowed with life
forces which are responsible for the events in the world and the
corresponding outcomes (Jary and Jary). Those who are members of
animistic religions believe that the forest , the sea, or even the wind are
spiritual forces. Such societies had a shaman or a religious leader and often
conducted their religious life within the family. This type of belief system is
dated back to the time of the hunters and gatherers (Macionis and
Plummer).
2. Naturism: This is the belief that human body is the embodiment the
temple of God and should not be covered but shared with all. They reject
the In fact , Christian naturists are of the belief that violence, rape and
genocide are as a result of the lack of social, non-sexualized nudity
(www.wiki)
3. Polytheism: Simply put this is the belief in many gods and goddesses.
Examples are Hinduism and Buddhism.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polytheism
4. Monotheism: The belief in one god. Monotheistic religions may still
include concepts of a plurality of the divine, for example the Trinity, in which
God is one being in three personal dimensions (the Father, the Son and the
Holy Spirit). Examples are Sikhism and Christianity
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monotheism).