The document discusses several key aspects of religion including its characteristics, functions in society, and comparison to concepts like magic and science. It also outlines several theories on the origins of religion and summarizes some major world religions such as Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and Sikhism. The document examines how religion has changed in modern secular society and can sometimes be associated with strife, violence, and terrorism.

1. RELIGION
Prof. M. Lakshmipathi Raju

2. * Belief in Supernatural being
Characteristics:
* Sacred, Holy
* Fear, Happiness
* Rituals
* Moral Implication
Religion

3. Three Aspects:
* Rituals – Religious Behaviour
* Beliefs- Faith
* Organization – Mechanism

4. Functions:
* Discipline
* Integration
* Cohesive Function
* Social wellbeing
* Means of control
* Moral Standards

5. Magic
* Belief in Supernatural power
* To control this power
* To manipulate supernatural power
* Exorcist performs rituals
* Black magic, white power
Black Magic
* Uses magic power
* For evil purpose
White Magic
* Use magic for well-being

6. Difference between Religion and Magic
Religion Magic
Superior power by prayer – to coerce superior power
Public Secret
Respected Fear
Practices. Prayers With Charms

7. Magic and Science
Magic
* Pseudo science (false science)
* Wrong assumption
* Deals with super natural
Science
* Cause, effect relationship
* Empirical facts
* Deals with natural
* Observation, experiment

8. Theories of origin of Religion
* Emerged from idea and soul
* All objects inhabited by spirits
* All activities caused by spirits
* Soul after death transmigrated
* These spirits worshipped

9. Magic by JG Frazer
* To control nature
* Powers to control nature superior
* Evolution in sequence
* Magic stage, religious stage, scientific stages
Naturalism by Max Muller
* Nature surprising
* This surprise led to worship

10. Totemism by Emile Durkheim
* Belief – descended from them
* Totem– objects
* Collective representations
* Totem – treated as sacred
* Collective consciousness
* Ceremonies, rituals bind people

11. Fetishism
* Revered object – has power
* Worship of fetishes
* A leaf or stone
* Among pre literate people
Superstition
* Irrational belief – omen, sorcery, etc.,
* Followed by many
* Becomes religious practice

12. Prominent Religions
Christianity
* Christ as Prophet
* Monotheistic
* Faith in Jesus, service, love Neighbours
* Ten commandment's
Hinduism
* Dates back, thousands of year
* Polytheistic, several gods
* Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha
* Moksha [salvation]
* Four ashrams of life

13. Islam
* 7th century – Prophet Mohammad
* Monotheistic, one god
* Surrender to will of god- Allah
* Quran – revelation of god
Buddhism
* 4th century BC
* Four noble truths
* Suffering, cause of suffering, (desire)
* Nirvana – remove cause of suffering
* Eight fold path

14. Jainism
* 24 Thirthankaras
* Rishabadev- first
* 24th – Mahavir
* Jain delivered from JIN (conquer)
* Three gems – right path, right knowledge right conduct
* Jain believe in soul, karma, cycle of birth
Sikhism
* Guru Nanak teachings
* Guru Govind Singh

15. Ideology of Religion
* Beliefs, rituals
* Supernatural - god, heaven, hell
* Mode of worship – holy texts, philosophy
* Victory of good over evil

16. Modern society
* Values of nationality
* Secularism
* Religion –undergone change
* Cause of strife
* Communal violence
* International terrorism
* Notorious activities